Eduard C. Lindeman and Social Work Philosophy

Eduard C. Lindeman and Social Work Philosophy was first published in 1958. Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible, and are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions.

Eduard C. Lindeman, a leader in the field of social work for many years, was deeply concerned with the profession's development of a basic philosophy. As a teacher at the New York School of Social Work for more than 25 years and as a prolific writer and consultant in a broad range of activities, Lindeman challenged old ideas and stimulated new ones in relation to the concepts and principles of social work. In this study of the man and his thinking, Mrs. Konopka, a professor of social work herself, provides an illuminated discussion of the theories upon which the practice of social work is based.

In the first section Mrs. Konopka presents a biographical sketch of Lindeman, showing the forces and experiences which helped to shape his views and to create the ideas and ideals he fostered. Then she traces the development of Lindeman's philosophy over the three decades of his most fruitful period, the years from 1920 to 1953, when he died.

In the third part, as a background for an understanding of Lindeman's contributions, she describes the status of social work values and goals before and during his career. In conclusion, she discusses a theory of social work based upon an integration of values, methods, and knowledge.

This book will be especially useful to those teaching courses in the history and philosophy of social work and related professions, as well as to those actively engaged in social work.