A Good Book, In Theory, written by Alan Sears and James Cairns addresses the idea that theory in fact is critical to our every day lives, not only in regards to scholarly inquiry. Sears and Cairns note that many students are not equipped to utilize theory toward their advantage, and ultimately suffer from this. Ultimately focusing on “…the method of theoretical thinking rather than the specific details of various schools of social thought” (Sears & Cairns, 2010, p. ix). The book’s overall purpose sets out to illustrate that the things we know look very different through “the lens of particular theories, just as looking through binoculars can provide new insights on a hike through the woods” (Sears & Cairns, 2010, p. x). However, A Good Book, In Theory was not merely intended for exclusively students. On the contrary, it is a resource for both students and teachers. In regards to, “The Teacher of Theory” (Sears & Cairns, 2010, p. xi), Sears and Cairns urge teachers to use the book as a “jumping off point” (Sears & Cairns, 2010, p. xxi) for instructing students and for assisting in the development of an inclination for theoretical thinking. Additionally, they make note of the idea that the book itself is not only useful for courses in the study of social theory but can also be …show more content…
As future educators we must be able to not only utilize theory but to teach it as well, since we are in fact both students and (hopefully) teachers. The book, through its clear and excellent examples helps us dismantle important concepts that will truly only assist us in properly understanding future written works. The importance of the process of inquiry must not be overlooked in ones academic career, and A Good Book, In Theory portrays this flawlessly. It does not neglect another important concept in education – the value of experience, as well as the importance of understanding