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MET SO 203 Sociological Theories

MET SO 203 Sociological Theories. Dr. Madeleine Cousineau. social philosophy social science Social Science. integrates ideas about society with empirical studies to test those ideas. Social Theory. Origin – Greek word for . . . God (Theos) God = Truth. Social theory –

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MET SO 203 Sociological Theories

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  1. MET SO 203Sociological Theories Dr. Madeleine Cousineau

  2. social philosophy social science Social Science integrates ideas about society with empirical studies to test those ideas Social Theory

  3. Origin – Greek word for . . . God (Theos) God = Truth Social theory – Seeking the truth about the social world Theory . . .

  4. Theory Research The dynamic of social science:

  5. Structure of this course – • Early social thought • Founders of sociology • Classical period (1850-1930)

  6. The Modern Period of Philosophy Begins with the 17th century • the “Age of Reason” • emphasis on progress • prepared the way for the modern scientific approach

  7. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1769) View of society as the creation of human beings – a new idea Concern for social order (If society was not something absolute, then it could fall apart.)

  8. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1769) Human nature – selfish, violent, cunning State of nature = state of chaos Hobbesian Problem:How to hold society together Solution: People must give up some freedom to gain security

  9. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1769) His book, Leviathan: The State must function as a large body that maintains order by keeping tight control over the people in a society.

  10. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Opposite of Hobbes State of nature = state of peace and harmony People are naturally good, but society corrupts us Ideal society: little control over people

  11. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) In The Social Contract: “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.”

  12. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Solution: The education of children in a way that would maximize their freedom

  13. John Locke (1632-1704) One of the most influentialthinkers of the Enlightenment Influenced ThomasJefferson and otherAmerican Revolutionaries Locke’s ideas are evident in the Declaration of Independence

  14. John Locke (1632-1704) Views of people and ofgovernment – very different from those of Hobbes Locke’s view: Peopledesire social order Government serves the people

  15. John Locke (1632-1704) If a government does notserve the people,then the people canand should overthrowthe government.

  16. Theoretical Questions • How is a science of society possible? • How is society possible? • Are human beings good or evil? Social or anti-social? • Is society helpful or harmful to us?

  17. Theoretical Questions • How do societies change? • How do they maintain order? • Is conflict desirable or undesirable? • How would the perfect society be structured?

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