The Evolution of Social Sciences

The Birth and Growth of Social Sciences

• The 16th century saw a significant religious change that contributed to the development of social sciences.
• The Enlightenment Period (17th and 18th centuries) and the growth of science laid the foundation for the emergence of social sciences.
• Technological advances and the Industrial Revolution (18th to 19th century) led to significant changes in society, prompting the need for social sciences.

Key Factors Influencing Social Sciences

• The rise of capitalism and the growth of cities shaped the development of social sciences.
• The French Revolution and the rise of socialism further influenced the growth of social sciences.

The Scientific Method

• The scientific method, which involves using objective, systematic observations to test theories, is a fundamental approach in social sciences.
• This method is based on deductive reasoning.

Questions and Topics in Social Sciences

• Social sciences aim to address questions such as: why war exists, why some people become more powerful than others, and why some are rich while others are poor.

The Rise of Universities and Education

• The rise of universities and the dissolution of feudal relations in the 17th century contributed to the growth of education and learning.
• The intensification of commerce and trade in the 17th century also played a significant role in the development of social sciences.

Sociologists and Their Contributions

• Ferdinand Tonnies, a German sociologist, is known for his concept of Gemeinschaft, which refers to warm relationships with community members.
• Max Weber, another influential sociologist, made significant contributions to the field of social sciences.