Soc Sci 1 Terminology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Problematique' refer to?

A problem that seeks solutions

A research question or problem

A subject that a field claims

All of the above (correct)

What are the characteristics of a 'Paradigm'?

Both A and B (correct)

The dominant knowledge at the time influences it

It partakes of the period's assumptions of truth

It is dynamic and constantly changing

Who said that problematique partakes and is influenced by dominant knowledge?

Foucault, 1966

What does 'Positivism' refer to in the context of science?

The first paradigm of science that helps man attain happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What are the problematiques of positivism?

Happiness, personhood, change, sociality. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Personhood' mean?

The condition of being a person. Signup and view all the answers

How is culture defined according to Tylor?

Culture is the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom and others acquired by man. Signup and view all the answers

Which book argues that man domesticated himself by inventing culture?

Primitive Culture Signup and view all the answers

What is 'collective personhood' according to sociology?

Refers to society Signup and view all the answers

What does 'negative reciprocity' refer to?

Getting something for nothing without punishment or injury, such as theft or corruption. Signup and view all the answers

Sahlins posited that there are two types of reciprocity.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of sociology and positivism?

Compte Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Problematique: Refers to problems seeking solutions, research questions, or subjects claimed by a field.
Paradigm: Influenced by the dominant knowledge of its period, shaping assumptions of truth in understanding.
Foucault (1966): Influenced the understanding of problematique within the context of dominant knowledge.
Paradigm's Role: Produces and supports the problematique, influencing mode of understanding.

Scientific Paradigms and Concepts

Positivism: The initial scientific paradigm positing that science's role is to assist humanity in achieving happiness.
Problematiques of Positivism: Includes themes of happiness, personhood, change, and sociality.

Understanding Personhood

Personhood Definition: A combination of person and hood, indicating the state of being an individual.
Human Being: A biological classification of Homo sapiens.
Lovejoy (1981): Advocated that the term 'human' should be exclusive to Homo species.

Culture and Anthropology

Primitive Culture: Book defining culture as a complex whole.
Tylor (1871): Defined culture to include knowledge, beliefs, art, laws, morals, customs, among others.
Arapesh Society: New Guinea society opposed to Japanese cannibalism during historical conflicts.

Philosophy and Human Evolution

Childe (1936): Argued in "Man Makes Himself" that humans domesticated themselves by creating culture.
Etymology of Human: "Humus" reflects the root meaning connected to earth, humility, and human nature.

Biblical and Historical Context

Genesis 3:19: Biblical verse cited during Ash Wednesday expressing human mortality.
Middle French "humain": Meaning related to human qualities.
Latin "humanus": Etymological origin of the term humain.

The Inhuman Condition

Lyotard (1991): Discussed AI as inhuman due to its potential to replace human functions.
Lascelles (1971): Reflected on the somber consequences of war, hinting at the death of humanity.
Dust in the Wind (Kansas, 1977-78): Lyrics address the insignificance of human life in the cosmos.

The Concept of Person

Current Definition of Person: Encompasses the individual, human being, and the qualities of personhood.
Historical Use of Person: Originated as references to masks and roles in theater during Greek times, evolving to current understandings.

Collective and Corporate Personhood

Collective Personhood: Represents society in sociology, a group with shared identity.
Corporate Personhood: Individual with legal rights and privileges.
The Nation (1925): Utilized the term collectivity regarding collective farms for the first time.

Notable Figures and Concepts

Olson: Economist advocating individualism, suggesting coercion drives collective interest.
Durkheim: Viewed the individual distinct from the group in his analyses.
Mauss: Proposed holistic views merging individual and collective concepts in anthropology.

Malinowski (1922): Authored "Argonauts of the Western Pacific," introducing the concept of reciprocity.
Mauss' "The Gift": Expanded upon Malinowski's ideas on reciprocity.
Sahlins (1972): Identified three types of reciprocity in social exchanges.

20th Century: Marked the birth of social sciences, evolving from previous philosophical paradigms.
Compte: Recognized as the father of sociology and positivism, advocating for "Religion of Humanity."

Happiness in Psychological and Philosophical Context

Haybron (2020): Proposed dual interpretations of happiness: well-being and psychological state.
Spencer: Argued that happiness is achievable through societal recognition of individual freedom.
Czikszentmihalyi: Explored the connection between happiness and flow experiences, emphasizing engagement in activities.

Aging and Death Studies

Metchnikoff: Pioneered gerontology and thanatology, studying human aging and death.
Haybron: Investigated happiness in contexts of positive psychology and philosophy, affirming its dual applicability.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in social sciences with these flashcards. Explore terms like 'problematique' and 'paradigm' and engage with the foundational thoughts of influential figures like Foucault. Perfect for students preparing for exams or anyone interested in social science terminology.