ABSTRACT
Argument about theory, meta-theory and discourse in sociology lies at the heart of the debate about the character of sociology itself. This chapter begins with reflection on the broad range of activities which have been practised in the name of sociological theory over the last half century by recalling Merton's conception of theory proper and the conception of science which went with it. It considers the challenge to both presented by the linguistic turn, anti-foundationalism and post-empiricism. Anti-foundationalism poses a further challenge to the ideas of theory proper and cumulative science. The chapter addresses the deep anxiety of those who fear that in the process meta-theory has triumphed over theory proper and then recommend the term 'discourse' as a way to overcome the unprofitable theory-meta-theory distinction. The linguistic turn and anti-foundationalism have led to what Alexander calls post-positivism but in deference to Hesse who did so much to formulate it, prefer to call post-empiricism.
