German professors and academic intellectuals are often blamed for
passivity or complicity in the National Socialist rise to power.
Karl Mannheim was a leading representative of a vital minority of
university personalities who devoted themselves to making sociology
and higher education contribute to democratization. Sociology as
Political Education is an illustration of the application of
sociological knowledge to the world of practical action. Together
with an analytical and historical account of Mannheim's efforts, to
be published in a volume authored by Loader and Kettler forthcoming
next season, it comprises a complete record of Karl Mannheim in the
university life of the Weimar period.
The comparatively new discipline of sociology was looked upon
with favor by the Weimar Republic's reformers of higher education.
In advancing its methods Mannheim had first to contend with
prominent and influential figures who attacked sociology as a mere
political device to undermine cultural and national values for the
sake of narrow interests and partisanship. He then had to meet the
objections of fellow sociologists who were convinced that the
discipline could prosper only as an area of specialized study with
no claim to educational goals beyond the technical reproduction.
Finally, he had to separate himself from proponents of politicized
sociology. Sociological thought should be rigorous, critical, and
attentive to evidence, but, Mannheim argued, its system had to be
open and congruent with the ultimate responsibility of human beings
for their acts.
Loader and Kettler present Mannheim's groundbreaking ideas
through previously untranslated Mannheim texts, among them a
transcript of his 1930sociology course in which Mannheim answered
his critics and clarified his intentions. Sociology as Political
Education is not only of historical significance, but also shows
Mannheim's relevance for current discussions of academic integrity
and politicization. This volume will be of interest to
sociologists, cultural historians, and political scientists.
General
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