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Crisis in Sociology: The Need for Darwin

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In the early years of the century, Alfred North Whitehead described the scientific mind as being characterized by an interest in relating general principles to stubborn facts. This book's premise is that the crisis in sociology is largely due to the discipline's lack of concern with either. Lopreato and Crippen believe that far too much of what goes on under the name of sociology today is either political harangue or mere data collection ungraced by reference to any general principles.

They proceed to argue the case that evolutionary theory is essential for a deep undertanding of sociological phenomena. After an illuminating excursion into the history of sociology, the authors turn their attention to evolution, giving the reader a grasp of the logic of Darwinian thinking before applying it to a number of areas, including sex role differences, stratification, and ethnic chauvanism. The effort succeeds splendidly. Satisfied readers may inclined to examine Lopreato's earlier (and longer) book, "Human Nature and Biocultural Evolution" or E.O. Wilson's Pulitzer prize-winning "On Human Nature."

There are two monumental books in Sociology from 1940 to now, both by Josph Lopreato. He knows culure, biology, science reason and big mess in sociology. Main point: To do science must have at least one general law. Without it: sociology CRISIS big time. Sciences borrow with each other. Sociology must borrow from sister Biology, learn science reason, then add own laws. Lopreato and Crippen show how. So easy. But question: can sociologists learn science? I do not believe. They learn ideology-very easy.

This is a wonderful work of scholarship. Crippen and Lopreato, concerned about the lack of intellectual rigor in sociology build a persuasive argument to apply methodologies from the natural sciences. (As opposed to the "unnatural" or "social" sciences.) They adopt the intriguing viewpoint that conclusions must be based on factual observation, hypothesis and honest intellectual analysis. Their argument will not be well received by those for whom facts and data must be molded to fit pre-conceived conclusions. The application of the work done in sociobiology and evolutionary science is first rate. This is a must read for anyone concerned about the current state of the discipline of sociology.

I came to this book with doubts of the authors and context of book, but by the time I finished, I was amazed at the ideas and the perception noted by these men. I would recommend it to anyone.