The Calling of Social Thought : Rediscovering the Work of Edward Shils

Edward Shils was a major intellectual and social thinker of the mid-twentieth century. This collection captures the major facets the thought of this complex and controversial figure. Edward Shils was a central figure in twentieth century social thought. He held appointments both at Chicago and Cambridge and was a crucial link between British and American intellectual life. This volume collects essays by distinguished contributors which deal with the major facets of Shils'thought, including his relations with Michael Polanyi, his parallels with Michael Oakeshott, his defense of the traditional university, his fundamental philosophical anthropology, and his important work on such topics as tradition, civility, and the nation. As an introduction to this complex and original thinker, it will be of interest to scholars and students in a number of fields, including sociology and social theory, but also to anyone interested in the intellectual life as it was lived in the mid-twentieth century, in the face of the Cold War and ideological struggle. Edward Shils was a central figure in twentieth century social thought. He held appointments both at Chicago and Cambridge and was a crucial link between British and American intellectual life. This volume collects essays by distinguished contributors which deal with the major facets of Shils' thought, including his relations with Michael Polanyi, his parallels with Michael Oakeshott, his defense of the traditional university, his fundamental philosophical anthropology, and his important work on such topics as tradition, civility, and the nation. As an introduction to this complex and original thinker, it will be of interest to scholars and students in a number of fields, including sociology and social theory, but also to anyone interested in the intellectual life as it was lived in the mid-twentieth century, in the face of the Cold War and ideological struggle Front matter Dedication Contents List of contributors Introduction: discovering and rediscovering Shils The philosophical anthropology of Edward Shils The sociologist as human scientist: the meaning of Shils The recovery of tradition Edward Shils and Michael Polanyi: the terms of engagement Shils, Mannheim, and ideology Shils and Oakeshott Edward Shils on pluralism and civility Nations, nationality, and civil society in the work of Edward Shils Shils and the intellectuals Edward Shils and his Portraits Edward Shils: defender of the traditional university Concluding comments: Edward Shils – the ‘outsider’ Appendix: Bibliography of the published works of Professor Edward Shils References Index