Social Theorist

Social Theorist

In the beginning: common sense and religious modes of thought
Common sense knowledge
How to solve the practical everyday problems to get through the day
Gives us a set of routine
Conservative knowledge--traditional view of the world
What things do humans need common sense about?
Food
Shelter
Clothing
Religious knowledge
Developed to explain things and alleviate fear
Study: Malinouske
Studied Trobriand Islands--when and how they do religion
“Religion should disappear as science grows”
What does religion do for people?
Religious techniques were only used in certain situations
Praying before fishing in ocean; but not in the lagoon
Contingency--humans’ ability to predict events that are critical to their welfare is limited
Predictability does not help if you can’t change things
Humans are nervous and anxious in situations where they can’t predict or control things
Religion helps reduce this anxiety
Gives a sense to have an effect/control on things
II) Philosophy and the Greek theories of society: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
The development of philosophy
What is philosophy?
Competition between ideas and perspectives; figuring out outcomes
First one to say we can think outside the common sense and religious sense box
Socrates 469-399 BC
Argued philosophy is necessary pursuit for all intelligent men
Socratic Method
Dialogue between philosopher and people
Take apart statements, push to implications, and see if it still holds true
Accused of corrupting youth
Plato 428- 357 BC
First comprehensive theory of society
Job was to figure out why society exists, what is the nature of humans, what a good society would be
Argued that in order to understand how society came about must start in the beginning
Division of labor
Once primary needs are meant, spend time with secondary
Benefit of co-op and division of labor
To make society better women should be treated equally as men
Aristotle 384-322 BC
Argues...

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