Theory Of Evolution And Social Theory PDF
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This document covers various social theories, including classical, contemporary, and criticisms of social Darwinism. It explains how theories can be used to explain social order and change, and how different situations can be analyzed using social theory. Looking for data and understanding theories are also covered.
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THEORY Explanatory models where we could analyze, examine, and interpret what we see and experience about life, society, and humanity. THEORY Guide, direction, and structure to help organize intellectual work. Theories must not be taken as pills to be swall...
THEORY Explanatory models where we could analyze, examine, and interpret what we see and experience about life, society, and humanity. THEORY Guide, direction, and structure to help organize intellectual work. Theories must not be taken as pills to be swallowed without question and examinations, but they must be understood as attempts to produce a version of social reality that is comprehensible to our minds THEORY Understanding social reality THEORY Product of its own time. A result of the prevailing social conditions that defined the experiences of the scholars who formulated it. THEORY Must contribute the following: 1. Explaining and analyzing social order 2. Explaining and analyzing social change 3. Identifying patterns if change and continuity 4. Assessing current policies 5. Developing alternative policies 6. Solving social and development problems CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY Called classical because they are not old or traditional, but they are fundamental to our understanding of society. CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY Formulated to address basic and fundamental questions that continue to guide social sciences at present. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY Seek to provide alternative perspectives in viewing and analyzing old but recurring social issues and debates. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY Have emerged out of the need to respond to evolving social relations, structures and problems. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY Some social theories focus on the finer detail of society and the world we live in. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY As a framework for analysis, these social theories also guide scholars in understanding emerging social issues which their traditional counterparts cannot fully explain and analysis. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY Have different assumptions and premises about how social systems should be organized and structured, and what strategies must be adopted to achieve desirable change. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY Many ideas and insights of contemporary social theories are derived and developed from their classical counterparts. Theoretical traditions may also complement each other in broadening and deepening our understanding of human societies. COMMON MISTAKES WHEN APPLYING THEORIES 1.Complexity of the theory is not presented 2.Different situation is often used UNDERSTAND THE THEORY Able to state the author’s main argument in a sentence or two. Causal relationship THINGS TO CONSIDER IN TRYING TO UNDERSTAND A THEORY 1.Cause and effect- explanation about how X→Y 2.Levels of Analysis- Macrolevel or Microlevel? 3.Scope Conditions- Boundaries specified that identify the types of empirical phenomena to which the theory applies 4.Assumption- Theories assume certain ‘facts’ USING EVIDENCE IN PRESENTING ARGUMENTS Claiming or argument based on theory supported by empirical evidence. DO NOT SUMMARIZE- remember the variables needed and focus your discussion on those variables. Be careful on presenting the ideas or views LOOKING FOR DATA THEORY OF EVOLUTION Charles Darwin Transforming from simple to complex Adapting to changing times THEORY OF EVOLUTION AND SOCIETY Transformation of society from simple to complex Unilineal evolution SOCIAL DARWINISM Darwinists held that the life of humans in society was a struggle for existence ruled by “survival of the fittest,” a phrase proposed by the British philosopher and scientist Herbert Spencer. SOCIAL DARWINISM Popular during the late 19th to early 20th century SOCIAL DARWINISM Darwinism was put at the service of imperialism, as a new instrument in the hands of theorists of race and civilizational struggle. CRITICISMS TOWARDS SOCIAL DARWINISM 1. Societies cannot be classified according to definite stages of development of society 2. One society cannot claim to be more ‘advanced’ than other societies. 3. Society and culture must be analyzed and evaluated according to its own specific context (cultural relativism). 4. Social Darwinism is attributed to race. 5. It undermines the idea of compassion and human dignity.
