The Fundamental Methodology of the Cultural Theory of Peter L. Berger

Peter Berger is a prominent sociologist with a coherent intellectual system. Using a phenomenological approach, he defines culture as the knowledge of everyday life. This paper seeks to study the epistemic and non-epistemic foundations of Berger's cultural theory based on fundamental methodology. The results of this study show that, in addition to individual characteristics and personal motives, the theory of burger on non-epistemic foundations has been influenced by the secular political and ideological atmosphere prevailing the United States. With regard to the non-epistemic foundations of his theory: 1. In externalization, in terms of the meaningfulness of the world, the role of religion in social order, and the commonsensicality of religion in modern times, it is influenced by the ideas of Max Weber and Schleiermacher. In terms of emphasis on the reality of everyday life, the intentionality of consciousness, the multidimensional nature of reality, and subjectivity of knowledge, it is influenced by the ideas of Alfred Schötes. 2. In objectification, in "emphasis on social reality and social objectivity", it is influenced by Durkheim. 3. In internalization, by using psychological presumptions, it has been influenced by Herbert Meid thoughts. These influences have led Burger to have a secular viewpoint in ontology and epistemology of his cultural theory. This has made his cultural theory to be a theory which is away from supernatural, developed by mankind and unable to explain the meaning and order in nature and human society.