The purpose of empirical sociological research is to better understand the principles that underlie social life, that is, to advance social theory.  In addition to teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses on theory, I am involved in projects devoted to helping us understand social thought.
 

• The Sociological Theory Reader (Blackwell, 2001)
• Volume 1.  Classical Social Theory (Calhoun, Gerteis, Moody, Pfaff, Schmidt, and Virk)

This book covers primary readings in the early history of sociological theory.
Table of contents
• Volume 2.  Contemporary Social Theory (Calhoun, Gerteis, Moody, Pfaff, and Virk)

This book covers more recent developments in sociological theory.
Table of contents