In this posthumous volume, renowned sociologist Herbert Blumer analyzes George Herbert MeadOs position in the study of human conduct. Engaged with MeadOs work for over half a century, Blumer explored MeadOs ideas for developing the theoretical and methodological position of symbolic interactionism, a term that Blumer would later introduce. Although Blumer focused on the sociological and social psychological implications of MeadOs pragmatism, his objective was to explore social processes embodied in and formed through social action. Envisioning individual and collective social action as ongoing accomplishments achieved through symbolic interaction, Blumer insisted on grounding scholarly knowledge about the human condition in the empirical world of peopleOs experiences. Organized and introduced by Thomas J. Morrione, a colleague and friend to whom Blumer entrusted his unpublished papers, the volume also includes BlumerOs correspondence with David L. Miller about Mead's theories and other related correspondence. For a greater understanding of both MeadOs philosophies and Blumer's, this volume will be essential reading for students and teachers of social theory and symbolic interactionism.

By Herbert Blumer - Edited by Thomas J. Morrione

Part 1 Preface/Acknowledgments
Part 2 Editor's Introduction
Chapter 3 Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 4 Chapter 2: George Herbert Mead and Human Conduct
Chapter 5 Chapter 3: Objects
Chapter 6 Chapter 4: The Self
Chapter 7 Chapter 5: The Individual Act
Chapter 8 Chapter 6: The Social Act
Part 9 Editor's Introduction to Appendixes
Part 10 Appendix 1: Herbert Blumer and David L. Miller On George Herbert Mead's Contributions to Understanding Human Conduct
Part 11 Appendix 2: Supplemental Materials
Part 12 Appendix 3: Herbert Blumer: A Biography
Part 13 References
Part 14 Index