Toronto Theory Workshop

TTW fosters theoretical dialogue, taking theory in a wide sense. We aim to maximize conversation. Papers, usually works in progress, are circulated prior to meetings, and all attendees are expected to come to the workshop having read the paper. Presenters typically provide only a 5-minute introduction and contextualization of the paper. Then two discussants (a graduate student and a faculty member) provide critical commentary, followed by open Q&A with all participants. Everyone is welcome, whether you see yourself as someone who works in theory or not, and whether you are new to the department or have been around for a long time.

We will circulate papers a week prior to meetings. Papers will be posted here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/05rvybxflki582zy6fe5d/AFflSZ4NRdpdHFKmtgi-sYA?rlkey=upxhsaxy1lgktgezvhtlvd2vn&dl=0

--

Title: How Does History Accumulate (in Fields)?

Abstract: A key premise of field theory in sociology is that whatever is subject to organization by a field is entirely history. It has no essence or other non-historical property that makes it what it is. But what does it mean for specific bits of history to "accumulate" in fields? For Bourdieu, accumulated history is the source of the "objectivity" of a field and the distinctiveness of its "social logic." Presumably fields can have more or less history. But are fields with more history therefore more reflexive and self-organizing (more insular, more autonomous)? Bourdieu provides very few answers. This paper will examine these questions, tentatively suggest some answers, and provide examples by considering social justice as a field.

Speaker Bio: Michael Strand's research and teaching interests range from classical and contemporary social theory, to the philosophy of social science, culture, morality, knowledge, and economic sociology. In his recent work, he has examined whether our beliefs and interests actually affect our actions, the way in which social scientists make causal arguments using metaphors, how fans assess and evaluate popular music differently according to genre, and how social justice first emerged during the 19th century in Britain.
https://scholarworks.brandeis.edu/esploro/profile/michael_strand/overview