Le Suicide: Etude De Sociologie

''Le Suicide: Etude de Sociologie'' by Émile Durkheim is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This foundational work explores the phenomenon of suicide through a sociological lens, trying to understand its social causes rather than simply attributing it to individual psychological factors. Durkheim's investigation aims to establish laws and insights that can illuminate the collective aspects of suicide in society. At the start of the study, Durkheim discusses the concept of sociology as an emerging science, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and boundaries in its inquiries. He argues against broad philosophical generalizations, instead advocating for precise research centered around specific social facts. The introduction outlines his intention to analyze suicide as a social fact, suggesting that instead of being purely an individual act, it is influenced by collective societal factors that can be measured and categorized. Through his examination, Durkheim aims to show that the rate of suicide varies across different societies and contexts, which points to underlying social conditions rather than mere individual despair.