The Sociology of Philosophical Knowledge

"The Sociology of Philosophical Knowledge" is an academic book that presents a collection of contributions from various authors addressing a newly emerged field within the sociology of knowledge. This field, known as the sociology of philosophical knowledge (SPK), examines philosophers and their knowledge from broad sociological and political perspectives. While the analysis of philosophical texts from a sociological viewpoint is not new, SPK distinguishes itself through its neutral stance towards the doctrines being studied. The book follows the strong program in the sociology of scientific knowledge and offers a nuanced examination of philosophy, particularly through the lens of Karl Mannheim's distinction between different thinking styles of the 19th century. The contributions illuminate the complexity of philosophical discourses and their societal implications without engaging in political struggles.