This book explains the rise of the social sciences, in particular sociology, charting the history of the discipline and its founders. It examines the key principles and fundamental theories, the importance of methodology in sociology and all social sciences, and the contemporary status of sociology and today's major players.

chapter one. What are the social sciences? -- chapter two. What is sociology? -- chapter three. The origins of sociology -- chapter four. Early sociological theories -- chapter five. Major modern developments -- chapter six. Methodological considerations in sociology -- chapter seven. The status of contemporary sociology.