Guide to Social Philosophy PDF

# Guide to Social Philosophy ## Jagadiswar Sanyal, M.A. ### Meaning of Social Philosophy - Social philosophy is the meeting point of sociology and philosophy. - It discusses and evaluates the fundamental postulates of different social sciences. ### Two Aspects of Social Philosophy 1. **Epistemo...

# Guide to Social Philosophy ## Jagadiswar Sanyal, M.A. ### Meaning of Social Philosophy - Social philosophy is the meeting point of sociology and philosophy. - It discusses and evaluates the fundamental postulates of different social sciences. ### Two Aspects of Social Philosophy 1. **Epistemological**: Concerned with questions of knowledge. It includes the following three functions: - **Ontological**: Deals with fundamental concepts of social life, e.g., man, society, justice - **Criteriological**: Inquiry into the validity of presuppositions, principles, and conclusions of social sciences. - **Synthetic**: Synthesis of results of social sciences. 2. **Axiological**: Concerned with ultimate values of social life and means of attaining them. It points to achieving the "common good" or "social good" based on the highest moral ideal. ### Mackenzie's View - Focuses on the social unity of mankind and interprets aspects of human life in reference to that unity. - Studies values, ends and ideals, not what exists has existed, or may be expected to exist. - The key-word of social philosophy is "progress" and an ever-expanding ideal. ### Scope or Province of Social Philosophy - Less broad than sociology. - Differs from special branches of sociology. ### Common Good - Man lives in society. - Social philosophy deals with the relationship between individual and society, common good, and their relationship. ### Social Groups - Discusses the psychological and philosophical basis of social groups in society, e.g., family, educational institutions, and the state. ### Social Ideal - Evaluates the nature of the social ideal, ends, and values. ### Social Progress - Determines whether social progress conforms to the social ideal. - Ascertains the conditions needed for social progress. ### Religion - Occupies a prominent place in social life. - Basis of social unity. - Meaning, characteristics, and relation to education, state, etc. are considered. ### Social Evils - Social philosophy deals with social maladies and their eradication. ### Other Topics - Scope includes social evolution, the social self, ethos, and relationship with other social sciences. ### Relationship of Social Philosophy to Political Science - Social philosophy inquires into the value of social customs and basic laws. - It sets the ideal of a society where common good is realized. - Political science studies state politics, forms of government, administration, the basis of the state, ends, and ideals. - It is a practical science for correct state administration. ### Similarity between Social Philosophy and Politics - Both are normative sciences concerned with the ideal of common good. - Politics is a practical science that provides suggestions for an ideal state. ### Difference between Social Philosophy and Politics - **Social Philosophy**: Concerns the society as a whole, including state, family, and institutions - **Politics**: Focuses specifically on the state. - **Social Philosophy**: Scope is broader, encompassing the actual forms of government, conditions of origin, persistence, change, the nature of ends, the moral basis of government, and the techniques of administration. - **Politics**: Focuses on the ends and moral basis of government. ### Mutual Relation between Social Philosophy and Politics - Direct and intimate, as man lives in society and is a citizen of a state. - State enacts laws for safeguarding unity and sovereignty, ensuring social harmony and cooperation. - The state is a part of society, so the good of the state should not be opposed to the good of society. ## Value or Uses of Social Philosophy - Some sociologists deny its possibility, arguing that it deals with abstract ideas and cannot explain social facts. - This view is based on a false idea about philosophy; it deals with concepts and provides a synoptic view of life and the world. - Philosophy has a particular influence due to the culture of society, affecting customs and behavior. - Some sociologists argue that it cannot solve social problems, but that is incorrect. Problems require analysis and understanding before attempting a solution. - Social philosophy delineates the nature of social problems, helping to solve them. - Its study of society, social laws, customs, and institutions provides a deep understanding and practical values. - It highlights the factors that support and disrupt social unity, offering a guideline for achieving harmony. - It helps to remove social evils by analyzing their causes and offering strategies for change. ## The Value of Social Philosophy: Three Key Points 1. **Comprehensive Knowledge**: Offers a complete perspective on society and its various aspects. 2. **Interpretation and Critical Evaluation**: Provides a critical analysis of social facts and their significance. 3. **Synthesis and Comparative Study**: Integrates different social sciences and compares social ideals across societies. ## The Practical Value of Social Philosophy - Though it "bakes no bread," it provides essential practical utility. - Helps to understand the significance of social life and guides social reform. - Offers a direction and goal for social reformers. - Highlights the factors that promote and hinder social unity. - Identifies social evils and suggests ways to eradicate them. ## Social Philosophy: Not a "Social Reformer" - It's not a reformer; it's a critical observer of society, illuminating its nature and problems. - Its study of social facts can contribute indirectly to social reform by providing a deeper understanding and framework for action. ## Conclusion - Social philosophy is a vital field of study. - It integrates various social sciences and examines the fundamental aspects of social life. - It offers valuable insights into the nature of social problems and provides guidance for achieving social harmony and progress.