The first two selections of the volume set the context for the development of Durkheim's sociology of morality. Section I, "The French Tradition of Social Thought," gives Durkheim's picture of how his sociology is to be situated relative to the general French tradition. Section II, "Sociology and Social Action," shows Durkheim grappling with moral and political issues in his society and indicates the immediate social context of his thinking.

The remaining selections indicate some of the major substantive areas of Durkheim's sociology of morality. Section III, taken from The Division of Labor in Society, demonstrates his basically evolutionary approach to the development of moral norms in society. Section IV, "The Learning of Morality," gives examples of Durkheim's work on socialization. Section V, "Social Creativity," deals with the important question of how new moral norms arise in society.

Introduction by Robert N. Bellah

I. The French Tradition of Social Thought

1. Sociology in France in the Nineteenth Century

II. Sociology and Social Action

2. Address to the Lycéens of Sens

3. The Principles of 1789 and Sociology

4. Individualism and the Intellectuals

5. The Intellectual Elite and Democracy

III. The Evolution of Morality

6. Progressive Preponderance of Organic Solidarity

7. Organic Solidarity and Contractual Solidarity

8. Division of Labor in Society: Consequences

9. Division of Labor in Society: Conclusion

IV. The Learning of Morality

10. The Dualism of Human Nature and Its Social Conditions

V. Social Creativity

11. Origin of the Idea of the Totemic Principle or Mana

12. Elementary Forms of Religious Life

Notes

Bibliography