This chapter gives an overview of the development of sociological theory. In this chapter, we see how Abdel Rahman Ibn-Khaldun in the 14^th Century was working on the foundations of the principles in sociology that we use today. The chapter also explores the turbulent French Revolution in the 19^th Century. This revolution prompted Comte, Durkheim, and Parsons to examine sociological theory. The rise of Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution also had profound effects in the development of sociological theory. These events prompted great thinkers such as George Simmel, Max Weber and Karl Marx to analyze and criticize the inherent contradictions and problems that arose as a result of the industrial revolution. Finally, the chapter examines the period known as the Enlightenment. The rationalist thinking of John Locke, René Descartes, and Thomas Hobbes characterizes this period. A Historical View of Sociological Theory: The Early Years gives an insightful overview of the development of sociological theory and the theorists who participated in the sociological revolution.

http://www.missouri.edu/~socbrent/timeline.htm

The site is a timeline of major events spanning from hunting and gathering societies to the 1992 LA riots. It offers information on many theorists including Karl Marx and some major events during the different centuries. This would be very useful in trying to find basic information.

http://www.public.asu.edu/~dmspdx

This page has a wealth of sociological information. It gives information on current topics as well as some information on sociological theory. This page is a virtual library of sociological information. This page also gives links to many other sites that have information on a variety of sociological topics.

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~stephan/timeline.html

This site gives a historical outline of sociology since 1600. This page offers information on sociological works and some of the personalities as well. It helps to put a perspective on the timeline of sociology and how long it has been around.

http://home.mira.net/~gaffcam/phil/mach1.htm

This link explains what exactly positivism is and how it emerged. It shows how this emergence was a response to the current metaphysical explanations of social phenomenon. Positivists sought to explain social phenomenon by using empirical studies and rational thinking, as opposed to the speculative nature of philosophy.

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/hum_303/enlightenment.html

This link describes the evolution of the Enlightenment and what those in this era believed. The Enlightenment was a shift from long standing beliefs and ideas to an emphasis on reason. The theorists of the Enlightenment encouraged people to reject traditional authority and that social laws could be discovered much like physical laws.