Abstract

This is an introduction to the central concepts and arguments of the sociological theorists, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. It touches on the initial turn to sociological thought through a brief discussion of the Enlightenment, Conservative Reaction, Comte and Spencer. From this sociological blend of liberal and conservative ideas the work moves to its core discussion of the varying accounts of modern society found in the works of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. From Marx's reading of history and analysis of capitalism it moves through Durkheim's accounts of social solidarity and suicide to Weber's understanding of bureaucracy and of the religious foundations of the modern work ethic.