'The Most Important Task of Sociology is to Strengthen and Defend Rationality in Public Discourse' : On the Sociology of Vilhelm Aubert

Vilhelm Aubert (1922-88), the internationally recognized sociologist of law, contributed more than any other individual to define and develop sociology as a broad discipline in Norway after the end of World War II. In this article sociology is analyzed as a combination of five different activities and intended results, as (1) research and publications; (2) teaching and educated students at different levels: (3) dissemination and public-discourse, contributing to opinion and will-formation in civil society: (4) expert services and improvements for users: and (5) self-governance resulting in well- functioning institutions, with regard to research, studies, dissemination and expert activity. This conception is used in the description and analysis of Aubert's work. During 40 years he completed a large number of research projects. organized large research projects, built academic studies, influenced public discourse, developed plans for sociological practice and built institutions for sociology and other social sciences. Norwegian sociology is perhaps of a special interest in this sociology of sociology context because of its size and influence. Relative to population, the number of sociologists in Norway is probably larger than in any other country, and it may be the case that their general impact on society is stronger than in any other nation.