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The Social Construction of Reality : A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge| Media: | Paperback | | Author: | Peter L. Berger, Thomas Luckmann | | Publisher: | Anchor | | Release date: | 11 July, 1967 | | List price: | $12.95 |
| Our price: | $10.36 that is 20% off! |
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| The Social Construction of Reality : A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge |
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Average rating:  |
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still suitable for people who hate hard-to-read books |
| I've always been passionately against books that are written in the most dry and academic manner, so I was a bit scared of this book to begin with, but it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable (and educational, of course) read. My brain isn't very receptive of books that use lots of big words and fancy ideas, but the authors here have managed to construct this treatise with unbelievable clarity for the what they present, and also very often successfully implement a vein of humor. If you have any of the slightest interest in the topic, don't be scared of how academic and foreboding it may seem to the casual reader, as it is not as bad as it looks and very much so worth the effort! |
| The Social Construction of Reality : A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge - Peter L. Berger, Thomas Luckmann |
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We need more stars for this one! |
| I would like to add my voice to those who list this book as among the most important they have read. As for many, this book marked a turning point in my college education. Berger's "Invitation to Sociology" was a required text for my Intro to Soc course but that book led me to Construction. I was a philosophy major and reading about Hegel at the time. The coincidence of reading Hegel and Berger turned on a light for me. They both explained one another. Hegel was laying much of the ground work (and there are lots of excellent books that explain why that is) but Hegel is notoriously difficult. Berger's contemporary vocabulary opened my eyes to a successful interpretation of Hegel. Reading Berger was contemporary English instead of translated early 19th century German. At least it was contemporary for me at the time (early 70s). Today there are many phrases students will recognize as politically incorrect -- Berger was writing for a male academic audience. This is a shame since students do find it difficult and the additional discovery of sexist language adds insult to what may very well be viewed as injury. This book will enter a student into reflective thinking stage 6 and so causes all the depressing introspection that will go with that among the bright students. Which brings up a dilemma. Hegel was very positive. Rorty suggests that what he did was replace knowledge with hope. Agreed! While Berger is not clearly negative, there is no positive emphasis. As a result I always feel an obligation to encourage a positive approach to the powerfulness of this world view. My collection of Berger books occupies a highly esteemed shelf in my library. |
| Peter L. Berger, Thomas Luckmann - The Social Construction of Reality : A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge |
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Not for Intellectual Weaklings |
| This is the second most influential book I have ever read. It influenced me because It showed me how one could deduce from everyday experience how humans create realities and have faith that their realities are real. Read this book if you would like to understand what people mean when they tell you that something is socially constructed. Many college students and columnists act like "social construction" is a flaky or absurd contention, but once you read this book and understand what Berger and Luckmann are arguing, you will not be able to disagree with their major points. Nevertheless, this is not an easy read. You have to think along with the authors, put down the book and ponder their examples, and otherwise participate in the classic. That's a lot of work, but it will change your life! |
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