Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of social science?
Which term is often contested and associated with social science?
Where did the foundations of social studies originate according to Saxe?
What did social studies aim to promote through education?
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According to Seligman, social sciences deal with which aspect of individuals?
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Why was the name 'social studies' proposed by the British Government?
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During which century did social studies begin to be recognized as a distinct field?
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How are social sciences defined in relation to cultural sciences?
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Who contributed to the development of social studies alongside Americans?
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What does the term 'political animal' suggest about humans?
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What is described as the primary concern of social sciences?
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Which philosopher is credited with the invention of the term 'sociology'?
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During which period did urbanization and population growth accelerate in Europe, prompting social reforms?
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What significant trend occurred in social sciences by the 19th century?
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What confusion does Lawrence A. Kempton attribute to social sciences?
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Which of the following best reflects a characteristic of social sciences?
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How did social sciences transition by the 20th century according to the provided content?
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Which of the following social issues developed in response to urbanization in the 18th century?
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What was a key influence on social scientists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
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Which of the following best represents the two dimensions in studying man in social sciences?
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Study Notes
Historical Background of Social Studies
- The term "social science" struggles for precise definition, often limited to sociology or specific theories.
- The British Government in 1982 advocated for the term "social studies" for publicly funded research, challenging the notion of scientific legitimacy in social science.
- Social sciences examine human beings within societal contexts, reinforcing the idea of humans as political and social animals.
Emergence of Social Education
- Social studies originated in Great Britain in the 1820s, later influencing the United States.
- Developed as a means to use education to enhance social welfare.
- The field did not solely arise from 19th-century history studies but from a unique set of beginnings.
Definitions of Social Science
- Seligman defines social sciences as mental or cultural studies of individuals as group members.
- Mitchell describes social science as broadly applicable to disciplines regarding human and societal studies.
- Peter Lewis emphasizes the complexity of social networks and the laws governing societal coexistence.
Distinctive Characteristics of Social Science
- Study focuses on two dimensions: the individual human being and the collective social group.
- Emphasizes the interconnectedness of various social sciences.
History of Social Science
- The 1760s marked early social studies efforts with significant works such as Hobbes' "Leviathan" and Lock's "Two Treatises on Government."
- A revival in social science interest began in the mid-18th century with the rise of capitalism and urbanization, bringing social issues to the forefront.
- Auguste Comte coined the term sociology and systematized social science principles, while Montesquieu and Voltaire contributed to new political and historical frameworks.
19th Century Development
- By the early 19th century, social science gained a respectable position across Europe.
- The influence of early theorists like Comte and Durkheim shaped the development of sociology and social science theories.
20th Century Development
- Social sciences have evolved to follow similar trajectories to natural sciences, becoming increasingly institutionalized.
- There exists ongoing confusion regarding boundaries and definitions within social science, leading to various disciplines aligning with other fields, such as economics with mathematics and anthropology with biology.
- The field saw a shift from amateur study to formal research by academic specialists, moving towards theoretical collaboration and progress in the discipline.
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Description
Explore the origins and definitions of the term 'social science' and its interpretations within scholarship. This quiz delves into the complexities and debates surrounding the field, highlighting its relationship with sociology and natural sciences.
