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Sociological Toolkit

September 16th, 2006 by Mike

My Toolkit is a set of models and ideas that guide the way I evaluate my world and my situation from different angles. Here I briefly introduce each model/idea and a book choice that offers a full presentation:

  1. Philosophy of Critical Realism
    • Critical Realism is most represented by the philosopher Roy Bhaskar. This philosophy is mostly concerned with philosophy of science which includes both natural and social sciences. This philosophy is a great under laborer for all critical thinking.
    • The best introduction is Critical Realism by Andrew Collier. This book is out of print so you have to do some work to find a copy. However, it is worth the effort.
  2. Spiral Dynamics model of value cultures
    • Spiral Dynamics is a model of values and moral development. It is hierarchical like Ken Wilber’s work but lacks the religious overtones. This work is very helpful when trying to understand political conflict.
    • A good introduction is Spiral Dynamics by Don Beck.
  3. People Patterns personality typology
    • People Patterns represent aspects of personality. For example, are people set in their ways or flexible, are they looks good or sounds good people, etc. These patterns are useful in understanding daily interactions between people.
    • The only book I know of is called People Pattern Power by Woodsmall. You have to buy if from the PPP Website.
  4. Systems Theory
    • Systems Theory deals with modeling dynamic systems. We all tend to think linearly due to our everyday language, but all people systems are dynamic and contain lots of feedback. Systems Theory is useful for recognizing these larger patterns.
    • A good non-mathematical introduction is The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge.

In a nutshell, Critical Realism operates as a meta-system to help think critically and scientifically. Spiral dynamics helps deal with moral development and conflict on a macro level within societies and between them. People Patterns help deal with micro interactions between people. Systems theory helps deal with dynamic behavior in systems of all sizes.

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