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Modal Constructions in Sociological Arguments

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  • Michael T. Hannan

    (Stanford University)

  • Laszlo Polos

    (Durham Business School)

  • Greta Hsu

    (University of California, Davis)

Abstract

This paper introduces modal logics to a sociological audience. We first provide an overview of the formal properties of this family of models and outline key differences with classical first-order logic. We then build a model to represent processes of perception and belief core to social theories. To do this, we define our multi-modal language and then add substantive constraints that specify the inferential behavior of modalities for perception, default, and belief. We illustrate the deployment of this language to the theory of legitimation proposed by Hannan, Polos, and Carroll (2007). This paper aims to call attention to the potential benefits of modal logics for theory building in sociology.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael T. Hannan & Laszlo Polos & Greta Hsu, 2009. "Modal Constructions in Sociological Arguments," Working Papers 2009_02, Durham University Business School.
    • Handle: RePEc:dur:durham:2009_02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zuckerman, Ezra W. & Kim, Tai-Young & Ukanwa, Kalinda & James, von Rittmann, 2003. "Robust Identities or Non-Entities? Typecasting in the Feature Film Labor Market," Working papers 4291-02, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sloan School of Management.
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