Suchergebnisse

Ponders on whether Abraham Flexner was responsible for the change in medical education in North America in the early 20th century, owing to his report of 1910. Tries to demonstrate that medical education in the USA was part of a greater whole of major changes at that time. Concludes, though there was a philanthropic influence, Flexner (who refused to accept credit for change) was not the father of the medical reform plan.

Recounts Rockefeller philanthropy and the role it has played in shaping the development of medicine in the USA and elsewhere. Questions why social scientific research was not included in Rockefeller philanthropy in its formative stages. Investigates the role one Frederick T. Gates played in Rockefeller philanthropy and, particularly, his opposition to the creation of an institute of economic research. Sketches a biography of Gates, covering his professional career and the development of the philosophical views he held. Explores his approach to wholesale giving and scientific philanthropy as he gained more and more influence over Rockefeller's business interests. Mentions William Lyon Mackenzie King (who later became Prime Minister of Canada) and his role within the Rockefeller philanthropic set‐up – to investigate labour relations – as a key factor in later obtaining support from the Rockefeller Foundation for social scientific research.

In a recent essay entitled "Value‐relevant Sociology", David Gray (1983:405–416) argues that if sociology has to be socially relevant, "it is essential that sociology becomes consciously value‐relevant, not value‐free." He maintains that sociologists cannot analyse the consequences of social structure, forces, and change in a value‐free context if their works are to be relevant for social policies. He then goes on to say, "Between the extremes of value‐free, non‐relevant, sometimes trivial, sociology on the one hand, and immediate response to pressing socioeconomic problems and prevailing political winds on the other, where does the significant sociology lie?" (1983:406). For Gray, both extremes are inappropriate for a worthy academic discipline.

The paper examines the fundamental doctrines of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the light of Max Weber's thesis in the sociology of religion. It is argued that while the main doctrines of Buddhism are certainly inimical to wordly activities, the contemporary Buddhists in Sri Lanka clearly distinguish doctrinal Buddhism from their worldly activities. (DÜI-Sen)