Aron, Raymond (1905-1983)

French sociologist and political commentator. Never afraid to follow an independent view, however unfashionable, he stressed the importance of the political element in social change. He saw industrial societies as characterized by pluralism and by a diversity of values and he was highly critical of Marxism.

Aron was professor of sociology at the University of Paris 1955-68 (resigning during the 1968 riots) and was a highly influential commentator on politics through his articles in the newspaper Le Figaro.