ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the intellectual canons of public sociology draws notably on symbolic interactionism. It describes briefly some aspects of what is been termed "public sociology". Some sociologists might claim that they already know enough and that it is time to emphasize remedial, moral, or activist related objectives. The chapter focuses on a public sociology not only is one in which authenticity is emphasized, but also one that is empirically grounded, and conceptually articulated. Moreover, a scholarly public sociology must be community-based and thereby centrally attentive to human group life as intersubjectively accomplished, relationally engaged, activity minded, and technologically enabled. As well, if it is to have greater intellectual integrity, a public sociology is to be memorably historical and enduringly humanist in its emphasis. Although given an order for presentational purposes, these cannons are best viewed in more holistic terms. Indeed, whereas each denotes a somewhat different emphasis, none can be comprehended apart from the others.
