SOCI 2040 Chapter Notes -Age Of Enlightenment, Natural Science, Social Fact
Document Summary
Theory is vital in making sense of social life observations and facts. Facts make sense bc we make associations to preexisting categories/assumptions (theories: facts are still based on implicit assumptions and unacknowledged presuppositions. Theory is a system of generalized statements of propositions about phenomena. Scientific theories: explain and predict phenomena in question, and. Certain theories share the same characteristics with other scientific theories like natural science: still some significant differences . Sociological theories are more critical and evaluative. Rooted in moral assumptions rather than scientific objectivity. Societies are on an on-going process of change internal conflicts, wars, scientific/technological advances, economic markets, and more. Makes it difficult to form a universal law that explains social dynamics. As humans, our behaviour is motived by psychological and social forces (self-interest, loyalty, passion, tradition, or habit) Is it an ordered social universe: patterns of social life, a product of structural arrangements, or historical conditions.