Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person PDF

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person The Human Person in Society  When individuals are organized, do they constitute a society? Society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same social territory, typi...

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person The Human Person in Society  When individuals are organized, do they constitute a society? Society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Societies are characterized by patterns of relationships (social relations) between individuals who share a distinctive culture and institutions; a given society may be described as the sum total of such relationships among its constituent members. Societies construct patterns of behavior by deeming certain actions known as societal norms which undergo gradual and perpetual changes. OBJECTIVES: 1. Write a Reaction Paper on the songs Tatsulok, People Who Need People, It’s I Who Build Community, Imagine and Blowin’ In The Wind. 2. Write a Position Paper on the quotes of Gandhi, Ralph Nader, Charles Horton Cook, and C. Wright Mills on society. MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choose the letter that best corresponds to your answer and write it on a separate sheet of paper. 1. This is recognized as the earliest and simplest form of society. A. Feudal B. Horticultural C. Pastoral D. Hunting and Gathering 2. These are more formal and stringent norms that establish and define acceptable behavior of citizens with punishments for violation. A. Folkways B. Laws C. Taboos D. Mores 3. It is the organized or patterned set of relationships among individuals and groups that compose a society. A. Social System B. Social Roles C. Social Classes D. Social Institutions 4. These are the certain groups that perform vital functions in society like the family, school, government, and religion. A. Social Roles B. Social System C. Social Classes D. Social Institutions 5. Norms, laws, and other rules that regulate human interactions give rise to an organized or patterned set of relationships among individuals and groups that compose a society. A. Social Classes B. Social System C. Social Roles D. Social Institutions 6. Refer to traits and behavior that society consider acceptable, and are thus encouraged and passed on to other members. A. Folkways B. Norms C. Taboos D. Laws 7. Which of the following is incorrect? A. Pope Leo XIII: God made a human person to live in society and placed him or her among his or her kind so that the natural necessities which alone he or she could not satisfy could be fulfilled in society. B. Vatican II: Society was not made for a person, for his or her convenience and disposition, but is a vital necessity, an indispensable need which he or she cannot do without. C. Aristotle: Human person is a political animal that can realize his or her truest self only in society. D. Plato: No one is sufficient in himself or herself; everyone needs the aid of others. They must, thus, live with others in society 8. Society may be defined as ____________. A. The process of learning another culture. B. The process of learning one’s own culture. C. The minority culture is fully absorbed into the majority culture. D. A lasting association of people for mutual help in attaining their common goal either necessitated by nature or by their free consent. 9. The following statements are true about hunting and gathering society, EXCEPT_______. A. It is generally characterized by its small size and is composed mainly of families. B. Its members are generally treated equally and decisions are usually arrived through a consensus. C. It is characterized by the domestication of animals for food for a more stable and predictable food supply. D. They are nomadic because they spend most of their time searching for food and thus, have no permanent territory. 10. Which of the following statements is incorrect? A. Taboos refer to social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding certain acts. B. Folkways involve the interdependence of world economies through globalization. C. Laws establish guidance, define acceptable behavior of citizens, and provide punishments for its violation. D. Norms are set of traits and behavior that society consider acceptable, and are thus encouraged and passed on to other members. 11. Which of the following acts does not constitute a taboo? A. In many Jewish and Muslim communities, people are forbidden from eating pork. B. Hinduism forbids its followers to eat beef. C. In some Polynesian communities, people are forbidden to touch the shadow of a chief. D. For having served prison time and paid civil indemnity to his victim, a convict can be pardoned by the President exercising executive clemency. 12. The “generation gap” has something to do with the following, EXCEPT ___. A. The disparity in experience and views based on age gap of individuals. B. The divide occurring between the rich and the poor brought about by inequalities due to economic opportunities. C. This disparity in experience and views often leads to conflict among people of different ages when discussing topics. D. Your parents and elders were born top an earlier generation and have thus gone through experiences that you will never encounter. 13.Which of the following statements is true about a horticultural society? A. Involves in large-scale and long-term cultivation of crops and domestication of animals. B. It is characterized by improved technology, the use of tools, and farming methods to aid in farming which result in increased production, giving rise to a growing population. C. Primarily engages in the small-scale cultivation of plants, fruits, ang vegetables, and the domestication of animals. D. The increasingly complex social organization and growing importance of territory often result in conflicts among neighboring societies over resources and land. 14.The following statements are true about a feudal society, EXCEPT ___. A. This is based on the ownership of land called fief. B. The lords grant their vassals the right to manage parcels of land. C. Arose when rival kingdoms were engaged in conflict over resources, particularly land. D. Roles and responsibilities are more clearly defined with many tasks assigned according to gender. 15. Society’s principle of subsidiary has something to do with the following, EXCEPT__. A. It obliges a society to look after the responsibilities and needs of the smaller organizations. B. The liability of teachers and other school personnel for any untoward accidents to students while under their supervision. C. A barangay must be given the chance to eradicate drug abuse through its own effort, but the city government must always be ready to extend help to attain that objective. D. This principle allows the smaller groups to do what they can do by themselves and the same time compels the society (the bigger group) to help these groups fulfill certain tasks which they cannot accomplish without society’s assistance. HUMAN PERSON AS BASIS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES  The basis of social activities is the human person. This is to say that the goal of all social institutions is and must be the human person, whose very nature needs other human persons. While, of course, the human person is society’s focal point, some philosophers tend to miss this point.  In the 19th century, the philosophy called individualism flourished. Overemphasizing the “individuality” of a person, it considered the individual as absolute, superior to the State (government), and thus independent of State control. Hence, individuals could disregard social obligations. The philosophy of individualism was thought to have made the powerful few become super-rich, at the expense of the common people.  On the other hand, there was Totalitarianism, a philosophy which considered the state as all-powerful and absolute that it could disregard the rights and freedoms of people. Its abuses were visible in modern totalitarian states where people were either forced to do hard labor, or killed under the pretext of being politically dangerous. Can you cite reasons why persons need a society? Upon birth, does he or she initially need the provisions of material things or care from his or her family? For education, does he or she need schools? How about health services from hospitals? Is Philippines a society? Are your neighborhood, circle of friends, church, youth organizations, sitio and barangay considered societies? How does society enable me to become a better person?  Although society greatly influences the development of the self, the human person has the freedom to choose not to be fully defined by his or her background or society. We have the freedom to rise above our circumstances and make ourselves into something different or better. For instance, a child who grew in slums or squatters’ area can choose to rise above his or her social condition through education and hard work.  A person who comes from a family of doctors may feel that he or she has a different calling in life and thus may choose not to pursue a career in medicine. Some Filipinos have even decided to renounce their citizenship to become citizens of other countries. As much as we are influenced by our surroundings, our physical limits, and our society, our personhood still provides us an opportunity to transcend and define ourselves on our own terms.  Society recognizes the capability of the person to develop and provides its members with opportunities to better themselves. Efficient and effective public service, education, and the maintenance of peace and order are some of the ways, society ensures that we are able to have productive lives and realize our potential.  Social systems are in place to ensure the welfare of the person in society. Social systems which include various institutions and groups, a society strives to recognize and promote the individual dignity of persons and guarantees that they are able to live harmoniously with others. Instructions: Write T if the statement is true, and F, if Activity 1: TRUE it is false. This activity is worth ten (10) points. Use a or FALSE separate sheet of paper for your answers. 1. Totalitarianism, as a philosophy, considers the state as inferior to the whims and caprices of the individuals comprising it. 2. Totalitarian governments, autocratic as they are, unarguably with absolute powers can disregard the rights and freedoms of people. 3. Society strives to recognize and promote the individual dignity of persons and guarantees that they are able to live harmoniously with others. 4. Efficient and effective public service, education, and the maintenance of peace and order are some of the ways, society ensures that we are able to have productive lives and realize our potential. 5. Your youth organization is one form of society. 6. The philosophy called individualism overemphasizing the “individuality” of a person results in the State or government curtailing the persons’ exercise of rights and freedoms. 7. In the philosophy of individualism, one considers himself or herself as absolute, and superior to the State. 8. The basis of social activities is the human person. 9. Society can exist without people comprising it. 10. The groups of professionals like medical doctors, lawyers, teachers, or school clubs such as Dance Troupe, Writers’ Guild, Supreme Student Government, or even the fraternities and sororities, or church and fellowships fit the description of societies. Activity 2: MIND MAPPING Instructions: Write statements on Column B as responses to questions on Column A. This activity is worth twenty-five (25) points where each number is graded based on the content of ideas of three (3) points, and the organization of thoughts of two (2) points. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Nos. COLUMN A COLUMN B 1. Can poverty limit your dreams in life? Explain 2. What for you is a “common good?” 3. How does the line, “As much as we are influenced by our surroundings, our physical limits, and our society, our personhood still provides us an opportunity to transcend and define ourselves on our own terms”, mean to you? 4. Why do you consider yourself a social being? 5. Do you and society have symbiotic relationship? Explain. THE HUMAN PERSON NEEDS SOCIETY  The human person is social in his roots. In every dimension of his or her being, he or she lives in a community of people. Every I-You relationship becomes ultimately a We relationship. Pope Leo XIII said: God made a human person to live in society and placed him or her among his or her kind so that the natural necessities which alone he or she could not satisfy could be fulfilled in society. Vatican II says that “God did not create man for life in isolation, but for the formation of social unity.  Aristotle said that the human person is a political animal that can realize his or her truest self only in society. He added that society was not made for a person, for his or her convenience and disposition, but is a vital necessity, an indispensable need which he or she cannot do without. Plato believed that no one is sufficient in himself or herself; everyone needs the aid of others. They must, thus, live with others in society.  John Stuart Mill recognized that humans naturally tend to their own interests. He thought that by living in society, they can acquire the habit of sharing their happiness with the happiness of others. Philosophers Locke, Rousseau, Schelling, and others believed that human’s true self is realized only in the right kind of social group. They saw that society is the means to the best kind of life, for one who lives among fellow humans develops characteristics which are most worthwhile. Hence, society becomes a vehicle for the total development of the human person. The more an individual is involved in his or her community, the greater is that individual’s self actualization.  Are persons, by nature, social animals? Are combing of the hair and even the brushing of the teeth social acts? Is relating with others important to achieve not only your goal but ultimately the common good for all? Are persons termed hermits living in solitude truly happy? Does North Korea’s isolationist policy make it as a “hermit kingdom” when it distanced itself from globalized activities? THE HUMAN PERSON AS SOCIAL BY NATURE  The natural sociability of human person is shown by the fact that all people lived in society. This fact, which has always existed in spite of the differences of place, time, race, ideas, and feelings, must proceed from a constant and universal cause: that humans are, by nature, social beings.  If human beings are social by nature, then they have the natural duty to work with others for the good of society as a whole. Humans need other people to satisfy their needs and interests. In other words, people need people to be happy. It is, therefore, but proper that they should repay society by serving society and obeying its laws. In like manner, society has the right to impose its authority upon the people. Authority refers to socially approved and legitimate power to make decisions binding and the orders obligatory. Activity 3: WORD SEARCH Instructions: Look for the following words from the box and encircle each on the puzzle box. This activity is worth ten (10) points. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer. AUTHORITY DEVELOPMENT HAPPINESS HUMAN ISOLATION NECESSITY PEOPLE PERSON RELATIONSHIP SELF SOCIAL SOCIETY Activity 4: IDENTIFICATION Instructions: Identify what or who is being asked by the following statements. You can use the answer more than once. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers. 1. Referred to as social beings by nature. 2. Refers to socially approved and legitimate power to make decisions binding and the orders obligatory. 3. Becomes a vehicle for the total development of the human person. 4. He recognized the idea that humans, by living in society, they can acquire the habit of sharing their happiness with the happiness of others. 5. He believed that no one is sufficient in himself or herself. 6. He said that the human person is a political animal that can realize his or her truest self only in society. 7. The social dimension of a person using the I-You relation happens when his or her self becomes one with others in society. 8. He said that society was not made for a person, for his or her convenience and disposition, but is a vital necessity, an indispensable need which he or she cannot do without. 9. He said that God made a human person to live in society and placed him or her among his or her kind so that the natural necessities which alone he or she could not satisfy could be fulfilled in society. 10. The entity saying that, “God did not create man for life in isolation, but for the formation of social unity.” Lesson 1 What Drives Human Beings to Establish Societies? REFLECTION: Are you a social being whose human nature needs the company of others? What are the human needs which through forging relationships with others can be realized? Can you think of yourself without belonging to an association like family, neighborhood, school, barangay, or your country?  Now, have you ever pondered how your world has defined you? Have you ever thought about your place in this world and among the people you interact with every day? Have you ever reflected on how your presence has affected the world and people around you? Can you name the factors or influences that drive you and others to establish societies? You regularly interact with your groups; how do these groups uphold the common good? Do we value our ties as family members? Do we take care of our elderly family members? Do we send them to nursing homes in their twilight years like most Western cultures do? Or, do you expect your parents to move you out from your homes once you have attained the age of majority after graduating high school like Western cultures do?  In like manner, do animals have the tendency to form groups with others? Could it be for their mutual protection and survival? Can that bond too be deemed as forming a society as well? WHAT IS SOCIETY?  The human person exists to relate with others. The person is by nature a social being because he or she has a tendency to go out of himself or herself to form bonds and relationships with others.  Throughout the person’s life, he or she experiences a variety of relationships that help shape him or her as a person. Infants first relate with their immediate family as the source of basic needs. As they grow, they expand their horizons and start relating with people who are not part of their immediate family. They establish friendships beginning in their childhood and into their teenage and adult years. They also learn how to deal with other figures of authority aside from their parents. As we grow into adulthood, our relationships and responsibilities also change because we play more significant roles in the communities, we live in.  The pursuit of our goals is made easier by the fact that we do not need to do our activities alone, that we can live our life and pursue our happiness with other people by our side.  Society is an organized group of people whose members interact frequently and have a common territory and culture. Society also refers to a companionship or friendly association with others, an alliance, a community, or a union.  Philosophers consider society the product of deliberate actions by individuals who come together in pursuit of a common goal. Society is considered unique among all other groups because of the nature of the human persons that compose it, as well as the relationship among its members. Do animals have also the tendency to form groups for mutual protection and survival, too?  Society provides support that ensures the development of the human person to become a productive individual. Society also provides opportunities to further individuals’ growth in coming years. An evident influence of society on individuals is the emergence of specific traits and characteristics unique to a certain society which are manifested by its members. Lesson 2 How Society Transforms Human Relations Which Lead to the Transformation of its Members REFLECTION: Can you think of a person outside society? Or, a society without persons? Do persons and their societies have a very dynamic relationship in which they cannot exist without the other? Is it important to consider society’s role in the growth and the development of a person, and the person’s role in transforming society?  Is to say “Hello!”, the first thing to do, when you meet a person for the first time? How about handshake as a form of greeting? Is “pagmamano”, a unique gesture to greet to show respect to elders? Are these some of the norms to which members of society are expected to conform? Do norms establish and maintain social order? Do individuals not conforming to norms experience negative consequences, such as punishment or social stigma? Now, think of the rules established by your family and school. Why do you think these rules are put in place? What happens when these rules are violated? How have these rules influenced your behavior?  In what ways does society transform individuals? Do social norms, values, language, religion, and historical events influence you and others’ beliefs and ways of behavior? Are some of these norms immoral which when done, people get upset and therefore, obstacles to social acceptance?  Are there rules of conduct that define your actions and relations with others? Are social norms such as folkways, mores, or laws put in place to guide human actions? SOCIETY’S ABILITY TO INFLUENCE PERSONS  What makes us Filipino? Being born in the Philippines is not our choice. As we grow up in society, we begin to adopt the traits, traditions, and characteristics that distinguish Filipino culture. We learn to speak mother languages through interactions. Through these interactions with other individuals and institutions, we learn how to behave appropriately, what beliefs and traditions to practice, and what ideas and perspectives to consider acceptable.  Society influences our development as persons in various ways. Society is the backdrop by which we adopt the prevailing culture, identity, values, ideas, and knowledge of the persons, groups, and communities that surround us. Your interactions with your family, friends, schoolmates, teachers, and other people have all left indelible marks on your identity. Society shapes all individuals that are part of it, though each person is influenced by society in different ways.  One of society’s ability to influence persons is to define the relationships and interactions among its members through the establishment of norms. Norms are set of traits and behavior that society consider acceptable, and are thus encouraged and passed on to other members.  Society, through the establishment of norms, can also influence knowledge and ideas. If the traffic light flashed red, what does it mean? Is color red the universal signal for us to STOP on the road? Now, imagine that tomorrow, the traffic signals get switched – red now means go, green means caution, and yellow means stop. What do you think will happen in the streets? Have society’s rules and traditions in place for a long time influenced our knowledge?  Laws are more formal and stringent norms that establish and define acceptable behavior of citizens with punishments for their violation. Will violation of Cybercrime Prevention Law results into the imprisonment of netizens posting libelous posts or comments on social media? Is wanton throwing of garbage by anyone punishable under the Solid Waste Management Act? Will you be held accountable under the Anti-Bullying Law for shaming or inflicting injuries to classmates? Folkways are less formal norms that arise from tradition and do not result in punishment when violated.  Norms, laws, and other rules that regulate human interactions give rise to a social system, which is the organized or patterned set of relationships among individuals and groups that compose a society. Here, members are assigned social roles, which are actions and behaviors expected of certain individuals. Individuals who share similar backgrounds or perform similar roles are grouped together into social groups or social classes. Certain groups that perform vital functions in society are recognized as social institutions, and these include the family, school, government, and religion. A well-functioning social system where all members, groups, and institutions work in harmony will ensure that society remains harmonious and continues to uphold the welfare of its members. Society also transforms human relations, which leads to the transformation of its members. The historical development of society has brought about significant changes in the way human beings relate to each other. Early societies were initially centered on the family and the clan. But the emergence of industrial societies transformed human relations, as interactions were no longer based on the family and community ties, but also interactions in the workplace. Virtual societies have brought about another great transformation in human relations, as improved communication technologies make it possible for people from faraway places to interact closely with each other.  a person Over the course of his or her life, will undertake various social roles as he or she continually interacts with other members of society. An individual is not just a member of a family, he or she is also a neighbor, a citizen, a worker, and a member of an organization, group, or religion. These roles entail sets of responsibilities that the person must undertake.  Another way society shapes us is through social values, which are actions or ideals that are considered important by society. Values such as cooperation, obedience to the law, concern for others, and respect for others are considered vital to maintaining an orderly society.  Other aspects of society that contribute to the formation of the individual include language, religion, and historical events. Do you have similar beliefs and ideas with those of your parents or elders? But are your ideas, beliefs, and views shaped by other people as well?  Your parents and elders were born to an earlier generation and have thus gone through experiences that you will never encounter. In the same way, you were born into a generation that has unique experiences and characteristics. This disparity in experience and views brings about the “generation gap”, which often leads to conflict among people of different ages when discussing topics. Note: CONGRATULATIONS! You and your teacher-facilitator have just journeyed together the first part of this module for one (1) week. Your next destination will be to unravel the mysteries of Lesson 3 on the “Evolution of Societies”, as we know it today. Enjoy and make the habit of philosophizing! Lesson 3 The Different Forms of Societies REFLECTION: Which among the societies do you prefer the most? How does each society transform individuals? Which society makes life simple or complicated? Can simple life usher in a life of contentment and bliss, far removed from the complexities of modern living? Haven’t you become impatient or stressful when poor Internet connections disrupt your conversations online? Can you imagine the loss of physical warmth among family members, though near, who are too preoccupied with whatever mobile apps they are manipulating? THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF SOCIETIES The development of societies throughout history shows the development of humankind in response to changing surroundings and historical developments. The various forms of societies that emerged include: 1.Hunting and gathering society This is recognized as the earliest and simplest form of society. It is generally characterized by its small size and is composed mainly of families. They are nomadic because they spend most of their time searching for food and thus, have no permanent territory. The hierarchy in this type of society is not very varied. Its members are generally treated equally and decisions are usually arrived through a consensus. Because of this, the roles of its members and the division of labor are not very clearly defined. 2.Pastoral society This type of society is characterized by the domestication of animals for food for a more stable and predictable food supply. Pastoral communities have large population and remain longer in one place. They often produce surplus food and resources, which they trade with other societies. This relative prosperity enables the people to engage in other activities apart from those necessary for survival, such as handicrafts. This eventually leads to the emergence of specialized tasks in the community. 3.Horticultural society This society primarily engages in the small-scale cultivation of plants, fruits, ang vegetables, and the domestication of animals. These societies are seminomadic, which means that they travel to another place when they have already depleted the resources in one area. Roles and responsibilities are more clearly defined with many tasks assigned according to gender. Women were doing mostly domestic work in the home, while the men engaged in hunting and farming. There is also surplus of goods, which sometimes leads to inequalities among its members. Individuals here are very family and clan oriented, and their behaviors and actions are clearly restricted by tradition. 4.Agrarian or agricultural society This type of society is a further evolution of the pastoral and horticultural societies. Agriculture involves the large-scale and long-term cultivation of crops and domestication of animals. It is characterized by improved technology, the use of tools, and farming methods to aid in farming which result in increased production, giving rise to a growing population. The large population leads to a more structured social system that helps manage resources and its members. The increasingly complex social organization and growing importance of territory often result in conflicts among neighboring societies over resources and land. 5.Feudal society This is based on the ownership of land (fief). Feudal societies arose out of developments in Western Europe during Medieval times (Middle Ages), when rival kingdoms were engaged in conflict over resources, particularly land. In a feudal society, lords (rulers and owners of big tracts of lands) grant their vassals (followers) the right to manage parcels of land. These vassals, in turn, are served by peasant workers who cultivate the land and tend to animals in the farms.  Members of societies are organized based on status. Those who own the land (rulers) are considered the most powerful, while the peasants are considered the lowest group. Social relations are characterized by dependence. The lord depends on his vassals to provide him with resources, the vassals depend on the peasants for their service, while the peasants depend on their vassals for protection. 6.Industrial society This is based on the use of specialized machinery in the production of goods and services. The advances in science and technology in the late 18th century resulted in the Industrial Revolution, which in turn gave rise to new production and industrial methods, as well as innovations in transportation and communication.  These technological advances resulted in improved trade and communication and better life conditions for many people. Work is done in factories and public education is more prevalent. However, the emergence of industrialized societies is characterized by greater inequalities in wealth, power, and influence. The capitalists (bourgeoisie) are the most influential, while the workers (proletariat) were greatly disadvantaged. 7.Post-Industrial society This society is marked by the establishment of societies based on knowledge, information, and the sale of services. Led by the human mind and aided by highly advanced technology, the trend has shifted from industry to the generation, storage, manipulation, and sale of information. Members of this society have higher educational attainment, better training, and specialized roles.  The virtual society, where people organize themselves through communication technology and the Internet, is a product of a post- industrial society. The growth and development of the various forms of society highlight the growing complexity of human interactions over time. The technological advances and cultural changes that brought about these changes result in the expansion of communities that now include people from varied ethnicities. But despite these advancements and changes, the human person still remains the heart and center of society. The person is the primary agent of change, as he or she drives social changes based on responses to events and developments affecting society. THE HUMAN PERSON IN SOCIETY REFLECTION: Have you heard of the line, “No man is an island?” Can a person truly find his meaning all alone by himself or herself? Doesn’t he or she need others to provide him or her basic necessities in the form of food, shelter, and clothing? How about the need for human relations that are founded on love, compassion, support, or camaraderie? I. DEFINITION OF SOCIETY 1.Abelos defines society as a population that occupies the same territory, is subject to the same political authority, and participates in common culture. Its definition includes four elements: territory, autonomous government, culture, and people. For example, Philippine society occupies 299, 681 square kilometers, is governed by an autonomous government; its citizens share common culture; and it has an estimated population of about 109,581,078 people as of 2020. 2.Society may be defined as a lasting association of people for mutual help in attaining their common goal either necessitated by nature of free consent. Those necessitated by nature are called necessary societies also known as natural or primary societies like the family or nation. Voluntary societies, also known as secondary societies, are products of free consent like educational societies, sports, clubs, and religious societies.  The primary function all societies is to attain the common good of its members. Common good involves sound physical and mental health, sufficient education, enough opportunities for work, favorable conditions for religious and cultural life, and socio- economic development.  Society has also a complementary function better known as the principle of subsidiary which obliges a society to look after the responsibilities and needs of the smaller organizations. This principle allows the smaller groups to do what they can do by themselves and the same time compels the society (the bigger group) to help these groups fulfill certain tasks which they cannot accomplish without society’s assistance. For example, a barangay must be given the chance to eradicate drug abuse through its own effort, but the city government must always be ready to extend help to attain that objective. II: THE ORIGINS OF HUMAN SOCIETY The Social Contract Theory During the Enlightenment, social philosophers pondered the natural laws that govern human relations, and in their discussions, they put forth their theories regarding the formation of societies. Enlightenment philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean Jacques Rousseau tackled the origins of human society. To truly understand the true character of society, they imagined humans as living in a so-called “natural state,” removed from modernity and civilization. 1.“Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short because individuals are in a war of all against all; a war of every man against every man." For Thomas Hobbes, persons in their natural states are governed by their desires and these often lead to conflict with their fellowmen. Society, therefore, is the means by which people seek to control their natural tendencies and impose order. Individuals who establish societies enter into a “social contract” – an agreement where individuals sacrifice an amount of their freedom and submit to a higher authority. In this way, society is able to function and meet the needs of the many, ensuring the survival of humanity. 2. “Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” John Locke considered persons in their natural state as more cooperative and reasonable, and that society, is formed through the consent of individuals that organized it. This concept is known as the “consent of the governed”, a covenant (agreement) among individuals to cooperate and share the burden of upholding the welfare of society. Also, the authority that runs society should reflect the ideals of the people and should that authority fail its obligation, it would be replaced with a new one. 3.“Humans are born free and that in their natural state, they have a great deal of freedom and choice about what they do.” Jean Jacques Rousseau's idea was that it was madness for people to forfeit their natural freedom for a state in which they lived without freedom. His concept of the “general will” believed that even if the people are the ones who organized society and established government, in extreme cases, the government be allowed to impose its will on the people based on the assumption that the people have empowered the government to act on their behalf, and that it is considered to be the best judge on what is most beneficial for society. 4. “Citizens making choices about their society are asked to make them from an "original position" of equality, behind a "veil of ignorance", without knowing what gender, race, abilities, tastes, wealth, or position in society they will have.”  The original position often referred to as the “veil of ignorance”, is a thought experiment developed by American philosopher John Rawls to discover the principles that should structure a society of free, equal and moral people. In the original position, you are asked to consider which principles you would select for the basic structure of society, but you must select as if you had no knowledge ahead of time what position you would end up having in that society. This choice is made from behind a "veil of ignorance", which prevents you from knowing your ethnicity, social status, gender and, crucially, your individual idea of how to lead a good life. Ideally, this would force participants to select principles impartially and rationally. 5. “One should become a constrained maximizer, a person disposed to cooperate with others on the condition that they expect others to cooperate.” In his influential text “Morals By Agreement”, David Gauthier argues that voluntary compliance with moral rules, even in the absence of enforcement, is in one’s rational self-interest. People can all do better by voluntarily cooperating, considering the cost of establishing and maintaining enforcement agencies. People choose to cooperate since it is beneficial to meet their self-interests. This self- interest benefits society as a whole, since the actions of individuals in meeting their individual needs also further the interests of the members of society. Although, there are variations on the social contract theory, perhaps one common feature they all have is the fact that the different individuals enter into a kind of agreement with one another to form a society. Individual members put aside their self interest to create a community where they may live harmoniously with others. Society is founded on the concept of common good which refer to the social conditions enabling persons and groups to fulfill their goals and achieve well- being. On a larger scale, examples of common good may include peace and order, clean and safe public spaces, an efficient transport system, and efficient public service. Terms: The Enlightenment (18th century), a philosophical movement that dominated in Europe, was centered around the idea that reason is the primary source of authority and legitimacy, and advocated such ideals as liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government, and separation of church and state. Social contract theory, an actual or hypothetical compact, or agreement between the ruled and their rulers, views that persons' moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live. Theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses and facts. In everyday use, the word "theory“ often means a guess without supporting evidence, but for scientists, it is an idea to explain something, or a set of guiding principles. Einstein's ideas about relativity are an example of the theory of relativity. III: SOCIAL NORMS: Folkways, Mores, Taboo, and Laws  Norms can be internalized, which would make an individual conform without external rewards or punishments. There are four types of social norms that can help inform people about behavior that is considered acceptable or not: folkways, mores, taboos, and law. Further, social norms can vary across time, cultures, place, and even sub-group. 1. Folkways are behaviors that are learned and shared by a social group that we often refer to as “customs” in a group that are not morally significant, but they can be important for social acceptance. You should not chew loudly. That would be considered rude, and it is against class ‘customs’ to do so. To make it worse, imagine burping without saying ‘excuse me.’ These would-be folkway violations. Remember, this may not be disrespectful in all cultures, and it is very subjective. 2.Mores pronounced as (/ˈmɔːreɪz/ sometimes /ˈmɔːriːz/, are norms of morality, or right and wrong, and if you break one, it is often considered offensive to most people of a culture. Sometimes a “more” violation can also be illegal, but other times it can just be offensive. If a more is not written down in legislation, it cannot get sanctioned by the criminal justice system. Other times it can be both illegal and morally wrong. If one attended a funeral for a family member, no one would expect to see someone in bright pink clothes or a bikini. Most people are encouraged to wear black clothing out of respect. It would be disrespectful to the individual people are mourning. 3. A taboo is an activity or behavior that is forbidden, prohibited or otherwise outside of what is considered acceptable in society. Taboos are grounded in morality, and can also be linked to groups’ culture or religion. An act may be taboo in one culture and not in another. Examples of taboos include birth control (in some religions, such as Catholicism, it is considered taboo to use birth control medications or devices); blood transfusions (Jehovah Witnesses are forbidden to undergo blood transfusions or use certain blood products); eating beef (Hindu faith forbids consuming beef); eating pork (forbidden in Judaism and Islam); holiday and birthday celebrations (Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate these); premarital sex (most religions consider sexual relations prior to marriage to be taboo); and homosexuality (in some religions or cultures, sexual relations with people of the same sex is considered taboo), and many more. 4. Lastly, and most important to the study of crime and criminal justice, our laws. Remember, a social norm is an obligation to society that can lead to sanctions if one violates them. Therefore, laws are social norms that have become formally inscribed (written) which can result in formal punishment for violations, such as fines, incarceration (imprisonment), or even death. The law on bigamy punishes married persons from contracting a subsequent marriage while the previous marriage is subsisting, except Filipino Muslims under their Shariah law. IV: HOW DOES SOCIETY ENABLE ME TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON?  Society recognizes the capability of the person to develop and provides its members with opportunities to better themselves. Social systems are in place to ensure the welfare of the person in society. Social systems which include various institutions and groups, a society strives to recognize and promote the individual dignity of persons and guarantees that they are able to live harmoniously with others. Do you think society affect the human person entirely? How do the norms or patterns of behavior shape your outlook and perspectives in life? Will society make you a responsible citizen? If in the affirmative, do you believe that you can be an instrument of change this country needs by becoming an active, politically engaged, and personally empowered citizen? Activity 5: MATCHING TYPE Instructions: Match Column A with letters on Column B. This activity is worth ten (10) points. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers. Activity 6. MODIFIED TRUE or FALSE Instructions: Write TRUE if the statement is true, write the FALSE if it is false. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. 1. Roles of members and the division of labor are not very clearly defined in hunting and gathering society. 2. Chewing your food loudly is rude as this is against the social norm called law. 3. The family or nation is an example of a voluntary society. 4. The Industrial Revolution was centered around the idea that reason is the primary source of authority and legitimacy, and advocated such ideals as liberty, progress, or tolerance. 5. Feudal society exists where people organize themselves through communication technology and the Internet. 6. Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as the Special Protection to Children Against Child Abuse, Violence, Discrimination, and Exploitation is an example of a folkway. 7. Agrarian society is marked by the establishment of societies based on knowledge, information, and the sale of services. 8. In a feudal society, the peasants are the rulers who own big tracts of lands. 9. The church that you belong to is an example of a primary society. 10. According to Thomas Hobbes, humans are, in their natural state, more cooperative and reasonable. Activity 7. IDENTIFICATION Instructions: Write the correct answer. 11. Persons in their natural states are governed by their desires and these often lead to conflict with their fellowmen. Activity 7. IDENTIFICATION Instructions: Write the correct answer. 12. An agreement where individuals sacrifice an amount of their freedom and submit to a higher authority. Activity 7. IDENTIFICATION Instructions: Write the correct answer. 13. He argues that voluntary compliance with moral rules, even in the absence of enforcement, is in one’s rational self-interest. Activity 7. IDENTIFICATION Instructions: Write the correct answer. 14. American philosopher developed the original position often referred to as the “veil of ignorance” Activity 7. IDENTIFICATION Instructions: Write the correct answer. 15. He considered persons in their natural state as more cooperative and reasonable, and that society, is formed through the consent of individuals that organized it. Activity 7: IDEA GENERATION Instructions: Write your answers in sentence form on Column B, as responses to statements on Column A. Each response must conform with the content of ideas of three (3) points, and the organization of thoughts of two (2) points as criteria for grading. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers. ACTIVITY 8: SOCIETY AND MYSELF Instructions: Read the guide information below and copy the table on your sheet of paper. Write your relationships and roles in society that have changed throughout the different stages of your life under Column A to complete the introductory phrases under Column B and Column C. Each number is worth five (5) points based on the substance of ideas of three (3) points, and the organization of your thoughts of two (2) points. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers. Guide information: 1. Your groups could be your family, close friends, relatives outside the family, neighborhood, church, school, community associations, school organizations, etc. 2. Your roles could be a son or daughter, a friend, a big brother or sister, as a parent when your parents left for work or otherwise, a disciplinarian, an actor or actress, a hero, a leader, a follower, community organizer, antagonist, speaker, influencer, peacemaker, etc. But your temperament could make you sort of a streetfighter, problem-child, anti-social, and such other unworthy roles descriptive of a villainous personality. After filling out your answers, have you noticed the significant changes in your relationships with others as you grow of age, and the role of society playing on these changes? Activity 9: THE CATALYST OF CHANGE IN ME Instructions: Write responses in sentence form to the following questions after deliberate reflection. Each number is graded with three (3) points for the organization of thoughts, and two (2) points for the substance/content of ideas. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers. 1.How does society enable its members, myself included, to develop and achieve well - being? 2.How can individuals contribute to bring positive change in society? 3.How can you uphold the common good in your respective societies both as a member of your chosen organizations and a resident of your ‘purok’ or barangay? 4.What positive changes have occurred in your community? 5.What are the most common problems in your “purok” and barangay? How can you be the part of that solution?