Reflections on Helmut Staubmann's "Sociology in a New Key"

Attempts at bringing sociology in a state of harmony in terms of its theoretical foundations are essentially doomed to failure. Such a state is not even desirable. The diversity of opinions and approaches is an essential quality of all sciences. In sociology we are confronted with a multiparadigmatic situation despite all attempts for a unification. However, a state of harmony and the passive acceptance of theoretical discrepancies mean a standstill to the same degree. Disputes and controversies on the other hand keep the discipline alive. The review symposium on Sociology in a New Key (SNK) is an encouraging expression of the livelihood of sociology, tackling some of its core disciplinary issues.

Nine distinguished scholars contributed to the review symposium on Sociology in a New Key with critique, approval, and with suggestions for further refinements: James J. Chriss, Alberto Luis Cordeiro de Farias, Jayme Gomes, Victor Lidz, Isaac Arial Reed, Jeremy Tanner, Frédéric Vandenberghe, Raf Vanderstraeten, and Daniel Wehinger. A rejoinder by the Guest Editor focuses on five issues: 1. Aesthetic experiences and metaphors for sociology; 2. Meaning, the senses and the body; 3. The aesthetic and cultural common denominator of Adorno, Parsons, and Simmel; 4. Aesthetics and individuality; and 5. Comparisons and prospects for a sociology in a new key.