The text states Berger and Luckmann went "beyond intellectual history." What does this imply about earlier sociological or philosophical approaches to knowledge, and how does their shift fundamentally alter our understanding of how knowledge truly functions in society?

Synthesized answer

Berger and Luckmann's approach, by going "beyond intellectual history," implies that earlier sociological or philosophical approaches to knowledge focused more on the history of ideas or academic thought [Passage 1]. Their shift fundamentally alters our understanding by focusing on "commonsense, everyday knowledge—the proverbs, morals, values, and beliefs shared among ordinary people" [Passage 1]. This contrasts with previous theoretical traditions.

This focus on everyday knowledge is described as a "major breakthrough in the sociology of knowledge" [Passage 1]. By examining how this type of knowledge forms, is preserved, and altered within society, Berger and Luckmann introduced the concept of "social construction," which effectively created a new way of thinking and transformed Western philosophy [Passage 1]. The passages do not further elaborate on how this shift specifically alters our understanding of how knowledge truly functions beyond highlighting the focus on everyday knowledge and the introduction of "social construction."

Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.