Classical Social Theory and Emotions Revisited

The formation of sociological thought has taken from the beginning the set of influences of emotions, sensations, and feelings as central characteristics in the constitution of societies, and as analytical lenses to understand intersubjective relationships.

This proposal aims to open a field of discussion about the place of emotions in classical social theory. It seeks to promote a sociological study of emotions through a detailed examination of the theories and concepts of the classic authors of the discipline. We do not intend to reproduce the usual canon of sociological classics. Rather, we aim to discuss how, since its foundation, sociology recognized emotions with a crucial role in influencing social dynamics. In addition, we intend to point out the key place of emotions in the theoretical structure of the classic sociological theory. Finally, the session also aims to be a space for reflection for a deep understanding of social reality through the interpretive lens of emotional manifestations, through the analysis of the first sociology theorists.

In this context, papers dealing with the following topics will be welcome: reconstructing the notion of emotions in some of the classical sociological thinkers, making a comparison between the conceptual uses of emotions in the classics, discussing the consequences of emotions in social structuring according to the classics of sociology, revising the classical perspective on emotions through the lens of the later sociological debate.