In chapter 2 the referent of the forms shifts from the realm of knowledge to that of being. In this place Simmel asks what forms of orientation—what cognitive sets, as it were—an individual must have in order to be able to relate to others. In chapter 3 the forms in question are patterns which relate two or more individuals. It is these forms which Simmel considers to be the proper object of study for the discipline of sociology.

DEFINE: Clarifies Simmel's evolving concept of 'forms' across chapters — from orientation/cognitive sets to dyadic/interpersonal patterns as the proper object of sociology.

DEFINE: Clarifies Simmel's definition of sociology's proper object: interactional forms between two or more individuals, distinct from cognitive orientation toward others. Builds on: "Sociology studies pure social forms like geometry studies pure spatial forms."

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 154