Sociology 120

Describe Compte’s philosophy of POSITIVISM:

◦ Positivism: A belief that the world can best be understood through scientific theory.

◦ Dimension 1: Methodological- the application of scientific knowledge to both physical and social phenomena.

◦ Dimension 2: Social and political- The use of such knowledge to predict the likely results of different policies so that the best one could be chosen.

Human thinking and knowledge pass through several stages as societies evolve from simple to complex.◦ Stage 1: THEOLOGICAL- Explanations were based

on religion and the supernatural◦ Stage 2: METAPHYSICAL- Explanations were baed

on abstract philosophical speculation◦ Stage 3: SCIENTIFIC OR POSITIVE- explanations

are based on systematic observation, experimentation, comparison, and historical analysis

Who was Harriet Martineau most concerned with studying?◦ She payed special attention to social distinctions

based on class, race and gender. Her works explore the status of women, children, and “sufferers” (criminal, mentally ill, handicapped, poor, alcoholic, etc…)

What vision did Martineau have about sociology?◦ It could bring about new knowledge and

understanding, enlarging peoples capacity to create a just society and live heroic lives.

What are some of the negative effects of Spencer’s ideas of “Social Darwinism”?◦ Societies are not the same as biogical systems,

people are able to transform the environment in which they live.

◦ It was used as a means to justify the repression of the poor, African Americans, Native Americans.

What are “Social Facts” and how do they affect the individual?◦ Patterned ways of acting, thinking and feeling that

exist outside any one individual.

What is an anomie? When are they most likely to occur?

Anomie is a condition in which social control becomes ineffective as a result of the loss of shared values and of a sense of purpose in society. They are most likely to occur during periods of intense social change.

Why was conflict important to Marx?◦ He believed that it was necessary in order to

produce social change and a better society.

What are some of the arguments against Marx’ ideas?

He advocated radical social change…value free?

He places too much emphasis on class relations (not race, ethnicity or gender)

Using the term “VERSTEHEN”, explain Weber’s thoughts and ideas on “value-free” research.

◦ Weber understood that sociology cannot be completely value free. Sociologists need to use VERSTEHEN (understanding and insight) to enable them to see the world from another perspective other than their own.