The “Rationalist” Return of the Sociology of Collective Beliefs. Perspective and Critical Discussion of Gérald Bronner’s Rationalist Posture
The sociology of collective beliefs is a little discussed sub-discipline in France. Gérald Bronner, whose specialty it is, is in line with Max Weber-Raymond Boudon and intends to add the contribution of cognitive sciences to produce a cognitive sociology that aims to be rationalist. However, some perceive it above all as a form of scientific activism or neo-scientism. In this, we will see that it is out of step with the different methodological postures of sociologists of religions or other researchers. It also raises the thorny question of the relationship between social sciences and cognitive sciences. This article contains many quotes from interviews with Bronner on these topics.