Mead, Behaviorism and Indeterminacy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1989

Publication Title

Symbolic Interaction

Volume

12

Issue

1

First page number:

37

Last page number:

41

Abstract

Schleiermacher once said that every interpretation is the best. I would add, provided the interpreter understands that his is an interpretation, not the final statement of whatever it is that one seeks to interpret. Collins' wide-ranging and provocative essay (to which I can not do full justice here) on Mead generally avoids imposing on us the definitive reading of Mead. The author correctly points out that "we have a legitimate choice between the various intellectual elements in Mead." Still, I would like to take issue with Collins' choice. Not because it does not have merit, but because it leaves out what I believe to be most important and original in Mead's writings.

Keywords

Behaviorism (Psychology)--Social aspects; Mead; George Herbert; --1863-1931; Sociology--Philosophy

Disciplines

Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Sociology

Language

English

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