Foundations of Modern Social Thought - Introduction to Key Thinkers

Explore the foundations of modern social thought in this 46-minute introductory lecture from Yale University's SOCY 151 course. Gain an overview of influential social thinkers including Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Smith, Mill, Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, Weber, and Durkheim. Discover their biographies, major works, and significant contributions to social theory. Delve into topics such as Hobbes' role as a troublemaker, Locke's separation of powers, Montesquieu's adventurous life and work, Rousseau as a Renaissance man, the two sides of Adam Smith, Mill's revisionist utilitarianism, Marx's well-known theories, and Nietzsche as the first post-modern theorist. Conclude with brief overviews of Freud, Weber, and Durkheim. Access complete course materials through the Open Yale Courses website for a comprehensive understanding of the foundations shaping modern social thought.