The Concise Dictionary of Sociology released in 1931 was published under the direction of Alfred Vierkandt, a German scholar whose career spanned ethnology, social psychology, and philosophy. Born in Hamburg in 1867, he contributed to the development of formal sociology during the early twentieth century before concluding his career in Berlin.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Vierkandt completed his studies at Leipzig University, where he focused on mathematics, physics, geography, philosophy, and völkerpsychologie. He later pursued an academic path that included habilitation at Technische Hochschule Braunschweig. His professional trajectory led him to the University of Berlin, where he transitioned from a role in ethnology to becoming a Professor of Sociology in 1913.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Contributions to Sociological Theory
During the 1920s, Vierkandt developed a broad and phenomenological approach known as Gesellschaftslehre, alongside his work on formal sociology. His published output was prolific, beginning with Naturvölker und Kulturvölker in 1896. Other notable works include Machtverhältnis und Machtmoral in 1916 and his 1923 book, Gesellschaftslehre: Hauptprobleme der philosophischen Soziologie. In 1909, he participated in the founding of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziologie.
Career Interruption and Post-War Activity
After retiring from the University of Berlin in 1934, Vierkandt faced a ban on lecturing. He resumed teaching activities at the same institution around 1945 or 1946. In 1945, he assumed the position of chairman for the Kant-Gesellschaft e. V. Halle. He continued publishing, with works such as Kleine Gesellschaftslehre appearing in 1949, the same year a festschrift titled Gegenwartsprobleme der Soziologie was released in his honor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1867, Hamburg
- Died: 1953, Berlin
- Education: Leipzig University
- Professional role: Professor of Sociology, University of Berlin
- Notable publication: Handwörterbuch der Soziologie (1931)
- Professional organization: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziologie (founder)
- Academic affiliation: TU Braunschweig
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Alfred Vierkandt study at university?
He studied mathematics, physics, geography, völkerpsychologie, and philosophy at Leipzig University.
Where are the papers of Alfred Vierkandt kept today?
The Social Science Archive Konstanz at the University of Konstanz holds a collection of his materials and papers.
Achievements
- Held posts at TU Braunschweig and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
.jpg)