ABSTRACT
The formative, decisively influential figures affecting, first, sociological theory and, now, social theory remain the trio of Karl Marx (1818-83), Max Weber (1864-1920) and Emile Durkheim (1858-1917). Though the first of these three has now-againapparently fallen into eclipse, none the less Marx has had a decisive and continuing influence upon the development of sociological thought. Moreover, his method, partly derived from G.W.F.Hegel, continues to exercise extensive influence. So does the problematic which he played a main role in forming. Durkheim and Weber also, to different degrees, for different reasons and in varying ways, contribute key ideas to the contemporary configuration of social thought.
