ABSTRACT

The European Enlightenment had a profound impact on the development of traditional social thought. Those classical social theorists who helped to build a foundation for contemporary social theory were powerfully influenced by Enlightenment philosophers. Early social theory, particularly the sociological theory of Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber, was profoundly influenced by Enlightenment thought. The legacy of Marx has informed much contemporary social thought. His impact can be found both in structuralist and poststructuralist theory. Marx's ideas eventually were combined with those of Nietzsche and Freud to produce innovative social and cultural critiques. Jurgen Habermas, who is considered the heir of the Frankfurt school, has made considerable contributions to social theory. Social turmoil of the late 1960s forever changed the process of constructing or conceptualizing social theory. Contemporary social theory became just that—theoretical attempts to make sense of what was happening at the current time.