Mind in Action

This book explores recent developments in the sociology of knowledge and highlights the shift away from traditional - particularly Cartesian - conceptions of person, mind and social behaviour. The author argues that a new "epistemic" sociology has emerged in which the central focus is the social construction of the intelligibility of phenomena, in everyday practical affairs as well as within the conduct of scientific inquiry. This approach is documented with lucid examples, and is shown to make possible a radical rethinking of the cognizing subject. Aimed at an audience of undergraduates and graduates, this introduction to the field also features developments of the author's previous contributions to the field. Interdisciplinary in scope, it should prove a stimulating addition to courses in sociological theory, social psychology, cognitive science and philosophy of the social sciences. It is aimed specifically at undergraduates and graduates in sociology, philosophy of social science, philosophy of mind, linguistics, social psychology, cognitive psychology and cognitive science.