Questions and Answers
Which statement best expresses the relationship between social science and the natural sciences as discussed?
What critical development in social studies occurred in the 1820s in Great Britain?
According to Seligman, which area is explicitly excluded from the definition of social sciences?
What was a significant challenge posed by the British Government in 1982 concerning social science?
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How is the term 'social sciences' often interpreted mistakenly?
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In what context did Saxe argue that social studies started to develop uniquely?
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What was the implication of the view that man is a 'political animal' as discussed in the content?
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What is one criticism of the term 'social science' mentioned in the content?
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What does the content suggest is a primary focus of social sciences?
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What was the primary condition leading to social reforms in the second half of the 18th century?
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Which philosopher is credited with coining the term 'sociology'?
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In what context does Peter Lewis perceive social sciences?
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Which characteristic distinguishes social sciences from natural sciences?
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What was a significant result of capitalism's growth in the 18th century?
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Which dimension is not considered a fundamental view of man within social sciences?
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What challenge did social sciences face in the early 20th century according to Lawrence A. Kempton?
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Which historical figure's work was instrumental at the beginning of the 19th century in establishing social sciences?
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Which of the following developments signifies the institutionalization of social sciences?
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Which major influence did Karl Marx provide to the field of 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 historical background and evolution of the term 'social science.' This quiz delves into the complexities of defining social sciences and their relationship to natural sciences. Test your knowledge on key concepts and insights from the field.
