ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I discuss Jonathan H. Turner’s contributions as a teacher, scholar, and sociological theorist. I address five themes that define Turner’s approach as an academic: 1) the efficacy of scientific epistemology, 2) synthesis as a way to integrate and improve theories of the past, 3) the benefit of abstract modeling, 4) the utility of identifying and deriving testable propositions, and 5) the value of being a “generalist.” Throughout, I provide personal anecdotes of my time spent with Turner to illustrate both his impact on his students and his legacy in sociology proper.
