ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in this book. The book gives a synopsis of Simmel's social theory and the essentials of his formal sociology. It summarizes in a few words the significance of Simmel's specific contribution, and briefly indicates the position of his sociology in the general development of the subject. The great importance of Simmel for all social theorists lies in the fact that his methodology explodes the last survivals of rationalism, mysticism, and anthropomorphism which still cling to the thinking about the socio-historical actuality. Social philosophy as metaphysics has a great and definite function and significance for Simmel, but that function is wholly different from that of science. With regard to Simmel's conception of sociology, there have been critics who have objected to his differentiation between form and content. The book serves as a starting-point for a renewed discussion of social methodology.
