Micro-macro distinction and the relevance of common social knowledge

The micro-macro distinction has become a theme of debate on social theory as a whole, if not one about sociology itself. In an attempt to bring some measure of proportion to the discussion, a few contexts in which the distinction is articulated are examined. Specific attention is given to the relevance of common social knowledge. Contexts examined with this focus in mind include demarcations of the field of sociology, modes of social knowledge in sociological explanation, the elemental components of social reality, methodological contexts in which the micro-macro distinction is employed, and common social knowledge in various social and societal contexts. Special attention is also given to the linkage of actions and beliefs — and the esteemed but ambiguous legacy of Max Weber.