Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An American philosopher and sociologist: George Herbert Mead was a prominent American philosopher and social theorist, best known for his contributions to the development of pragmatism and social psychology. He is considered a key founder of symbolic interactionism, a sociological perspective that emphasizes the role of language and social interaction in the formation of the self and society.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The theories of George Herbert Mead heavily influenced the Chicago School of sociology.
  • In his lectures, the professor explained George Herbert Mead's concept of the "I" and the "me".
  • To understand symbolic interactionism, one must study the works of George Herbert Mead.

Advanced Usage

• "Meadian": Pertaining to or characteristic of the theories of George Herbert Mead.

  • Her analysis uses a Meadian framework to interpret the social development of children.

• "Mead's theory of the self": A specific reference to his central concept that the self arises from social interaction and communication.

  • The discussion focused on Mead's theory of the self and its stages of development.

Variants and Related Words

• Symbolic interactionism (n): The sociological theory largely founded on Mead's ideas, focusing on the subjective meanings individuals impose on objects, events, and behaviors through social interaction.
• Pragmatism (n): The philosophical tradition, associated with thinkers like John Dewey and William James, to which Mead contributed.

Synonyms

• Social theorist: A scholar who develops theories about society and social relations.
• Pragmatist philosopher: A philosopher belonging to the school of thought that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of their practical consequences.

Related Concepts and Terms

• The "I" and the "me": A central dichotomy in Mead's theory where the "me" is the socialized self (the organized set of attitudes of others) and the "I" is the impulsive, creative response of the individual.
• Significant symbols: A term used by Mead for gestures, especially vocal gestures (language), that carry the same meaning for the individuals involved in a social act.
• Role-taking: The process, emphasized by Mead, through which individuals anticipate the responses of others, which is crucial for self-development and social coordination.

Noun

1. United States philosopher of pragmatism (1863-1931)