First published 2018
Vilfredo Pareto presents his comprehensive theory of society in this English translation of his foundational sociological work. The treatise represents the culmination of fifteen years of effort to bring Pareto's ideas to English-speaking audiences, dating back to initial introductory notes published in 1915 and 1916. The translation project began in earnest in 1920, when publishers committed to making this influential work available beyond its original Italian readership. Pareto constructs a systematic framework for understanding social behavior and institutions, drawing on his background in economics and mathematics to create what he termed a "general sociology." The work examines how human actions stem from both logical and non-logical motivations, challenging readers to reconsider conventional assumptions about rational behavior in social contexts. This volume represents the first part of Pareto's ambitious attempt to establish sociology as a rigorous scientific discipline.
Genres: 20th-century, sociology, economics, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
Period: 20th-century
518 pages · Paperback · Historic Publishing