Scribd
Upload
1 views3 pages

Unit-1

The historical context of social science traces its roots from ancient civilizations through the Enlightenment, where it emerged as a formal discipline. Key developments include the transition from a theocentric worldview to an anthropocentric one, emphasizing human reason and empirical evidence. This evolution laid the groundwork for modern social sciences and promoted democratic ideals and social justice.

Uploaded by

akberaali786786
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1 views3 pages

Unit-1

The historical context of social science traces its roots from ancient civilizations through the Enlightenment, where it emerged as a formal discipline. Key developments include the transition from a theocentric worldview to an anthropocentric one, emphasizing human reason and empirical evidence. This evolution laid the groundwork for modern social sciences and promoted democratic ideals and social justice.

Uploaded by

akberaali786786
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

1.

1 Nature and Evolution of Social Science

1.1.1 Historical Context

The historical context of social science is rooted in the intellectual and cultural
developments of human societies over centuries. Social science, as a formal discipline,
emerged during the Enlightenment in the 18th century, but its origins can be traced back to
ancient civilizations.

- **Ancient Civilizations**: Early forms of social inquiry can be seen in the works of ancient
Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who explored concepts of justice, governance,
and human behavior. Similarly, in ancient China, Confucius and other thinkers examined
social harmony and ethics.

- **Middle Ages**: During the medieval period, social thought was heavily influenced by
religious doctrines. The Catholic Church played a central role in shaping societal norms and
values. Thinkers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas integrated Christian theology
with classical philosophy.

- **Renaissance**: The Renaissance period marked a revival of classical learning and a shift
towards humanism. Thinkers like Machiavelli began to analyze political power and
governance in a more secular context.

- **Enlightenment**: The Enlightenment was a pivotal period for the development of social
science. Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant emphasized
reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This era laid the groundwork
for modern social sciences by promoting empirical observation and critical thinking.

- **19th Century**: The 19th century saw the formalization of social sciences as distinct
academic disciplines. Sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics began to
emerge as fields of study. Figures like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim
contributed foundational theories that continue to influence social science today.
1.1.2 City of God to City of Man

The transition from the "City of God" to the "City of Man" symbolizes the shift from a
theocentric (God-centered) worldview to an anthropocentric (human-centered) worldview.
This transition is crucial in understanding the evolution of social thought.

- **City of God**: Coined by St. Augustine in his work "De Civitate Dei" (The City of God), this
concept represents a spiritual and divine order. Augustine contrasted the City of God with
the City of Man, emphasizing the eternal and heavenly nature of the former. In the medieval
period, societal norms and institutions were deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and the
Church's authority.

- **City of Man**: This concept represents the secular, human-centered world. The
transition to the City of Man began during the Renaissance and gained momentum during
the Enlightenment. It reflects a shift towards valuing human reason, empirical evidence, and
individual rights over divine authority and religious dogma.

- **Key Developments**:

- **Renaissance Humanism**: Emphasized the potential and dignity of human beings.


Thinkers like Petrarch and Erasmus promoted the study of classical texts and the importance
of human experience.

- **Scientific Revolution**: Figures like Galileo, Newton, and Descartes challenged


traditional religious views by promoting scientific inquiry and the use of reason to
understand the natural world.

- **Enlightenment Thinkers**: Philosophers like Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Diderot


advocated for secular governance, individual freedoms, and the separation of church and
state. They critiqued theocratic rule and promoted the idea that human societies could be
understood and improved through reason and science.

- **Impact on Social Science**: The shift from the City of God to the City of Man laid the
foundation for the development of social sciences. It encouraged the study of human
behavior, social structures, and institutions from a secular and empirical perspective. This
transition also led to the questioning of traditional authorities and the promotion of
democratic ideals, human rights, and social justice.

In summary, the historical context of social science reveals a gradual evolution from
religious and philosophical inquiries to systematic, empirical studies of human societies.
The transition from the City of God to the City of Man marks a significant turning point in this
evolution, highlighting the increasing importance of human reason and secular values in
understanding and shaping the social world.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy