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## **Sociology** ### **1.1.1 Definitions** * **Auguste Comte:** Sociology is the science of social order and progress. * **George Simmel:** Sociology is the science of the forms of human interrelations. * **Oxford Dictionary:** Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning...

## **Sociology** ### **1.1.1 Definitions** * **Auguste Comte:** Sociology is the science of social order and progress. * **George Simmel:** Sociology is the science of the forms of human interrelations. * **Oxford Dictionary:** Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. Most sociologists agree that sociology is concerned with social relations and events. However, there is **no consensus** regarding a single definition because of the subject's complexity. The three major points these definitions indicate are: * Sociology emphasizes the scientific nature of sociology. * Sociology highlights the relationship between human beings and society. * Sociology is a complex social science, distinct from all other social sciences. ### **1.1.2 Nature of Sociology** Sociology is a social science. It's a branch of knowledge that provides information about social life, human behavior, and society at large. It is an analytical field distinct from other social sciences. There are four essential points to consider when understanding the nature of sociology: * **Sociology is an empirical science:** Sociology studies and analyzes social facts based on the scientific method. It is not based on speculation or philosophical interpretations, but rather on observations and experiences. The use of empiricism is critical to the field. * **Sociology is a theoretical and applied science:** This field involves the systematic development and formulation of sociological theory. It constantly verifies existing theories and seeks to formulate new ones. Sociology was previously considered a "pure science," but today it is recognized as both applied to specific fields, and of broader relevance. * **Sociology is a factual science:** The aim of this field is to understand the reality of society. Sociology observes society "as it is," focusing on what exists rather than speculating on what should be. * **Sociology is a holistic science:** Sociology examines society as a whole, studying all aspects of social life rather than focusing on specific areas. ### **1.2 Emergence and Scope of Sociology** #### **1.2.1 Emergence of Sociology** The emergence of sociology can be understood by considering the relationship between society and ideas. There is always a link between social conditions in a given period and the dominant ideas that arise during that period. * **Early Influences and Rise of Sociology:** The roots of sociological ideas can be traced to the social conditions that prevailed in Europe during the early stages of modern society. It became clear that social changes brought about by the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution couldn't be understood without a new way of thinking about society. * **The Enlightenment Period:** This period of change in European society is known as the *Enlightenment period*, because it embodied the spirit of 18th-century French philosophers. * **The Shift to a New Paradigm:** The Enlightenment period marked a radical change from traditional thinking to a new way of approaching and understanding reality. People began questioning each aspect of life, and scientific and rational thinking became dominant. This new outlook led to the development of the commercial revolution, the scientific revolution, and the Industrial and French revolutions which culminated in the birth of the discipline of sociology.