Lesson 1

Outline
I. Social Science
A. Definition
B. Comparison to Natural Science

II. Sociology
A. Definition
B. 4 Key Figures
1. Auguste Comte
2. Karl Marx
3. Emile Durkheim
4. Max Weber
C. Fields of Sociology
D. Goals of Sociology

III. Anthropology
A. Definition
B. 5 Key Figures
1. Charles Darwin
2. Bronislaw Malinowski
3. Franz Boas
4. Edward B. Tylor
C. 5 Fields of Anthropology
1. Cultural Anthropology
2. Linguistic Anthropology
3. Archaeology
4. Biological Anthropology
5. Applied Anthropology
D. Goals of Anthropology

IV. Political Science

A. Definition
B. Key Figures
1. Socrates
2. Plato
3. Aristotle
C. 9 Fields of Political Science
1. Political Theory
2. Public Law
3. Public Administration
4. Political Dynamics
5. Government and Business
6. Legislatures and Legislation
7. International Relations
8. International Law
9. Comparative Government
D. Goals of Political Science

V. Importance of Studying Culture, Society, and Politics

A. Culture
B. Society
C. Politics

Social Science
A. Definition

Social Science is the study of human society and social relationships.

It explores how people interact with each other, the structures they create (like governments or
economies), and how these impact individuals and groups.

B. Comparison to Natural Science

Natural Science studies the physical world (like biology, chemistry, physics). Social Science, on
the other hand, focuses on the human world.
Natural science relies heavily on experiments and observations of the natural world, while social
science often involves studying human behavior, which can be more complex and subjective.
Social science helps us understand the human-made aspects of culture
like beliefs, customs, and relationships.
Natural science helps us understand how the natural world influences culture
like the plants people use, the food they eat, and their explanations for natural events.

I. Sociology
A. Definition

Sociology is the study of society, social relationships, and social institutions.

It looks at how people interact in groups, the rules they follow, and the roles they play in society.
B. Key Figures

1. Auguste Comte - Often called the "father of sociology," he believed society could be studied
scientifically.
Coined the term "sociology" in 1838
Focused on improving society's development
2. Karl Marx - Focused on the role of economics in society, especially how power and wealth are
distributed
Communist Manifesto (1848), co-authored with Friedrich Engels
Disagreed with Comte's positivism
Focused on class struggles in society
3. Emile Durkheim - Studied how society maintains order and how social factors influence
individuals.
"The Division of Labor in Society" (1893)
"Suicide" - revealed suicide as a social phenomenon, not just personal
Identified four types of suicide:
1. Egoistic - Occurs when individuals feel isolated and disconnected from society. They
lack strong social bonds and a sense of belonging.
2. Altruistic - Occurs when individuals are overly integrated into society and sacrifice
themselves for the group. They feel a strong sense of duty or obligation to the
community.
3. Anomie - Occurs during times of rapid social change or upheaval when norms and
values are disrupted. Individuals feel lost and lack guidance in their lives.
4. Fatalistic - Occurs when individuals feel oppressed and have no hope of escape. They
experience extreme control and lack freedom.
Egoistic: "I don't belong anywhere."
Altruistic: "I'll sacrifice myself for the greater good."
Anomic: "Everything is changing, and I don't know what to do."
Fatalistic: "I'm trapped and there's no way out."
4. Max Weber - Emphasized the importance of understanding the meanings people attach to their
actions.
Emphasized rationalization in society's development
Concept of "disenchantment of the world"

C. Fields of Sociology

Includes areas like family, religion, education, politics, and crime.

D. Goals of Sociology
 To understand and explain social behavior, institutions, and structures, and to improve society by
addressing social issues.

II. Anthropology
A. Definition

Anthropology is the study of humans, their behavior, cultures, and development over time. It’s
about understanding what makes us human, from our origins to our current societies.

B. Key Figures

1. Charles Darwin - Known for his theory of evolution, which influenced anthropology's understanding
of human development.
"On the Origin of Species" (1859) - inspired anthropological studies
2. Bronislaw Malinowski - Pioneer of fieldwork, studying cultures by living among them.
Introduced participant observation as a method for studying cultures
3. Franz Boas - Father of modern anthropology, emphasized cultural relativism (understanding
cultures on their own terms).
Rejected biological basis of racism
Advocated cultural relativism
4. Edward B. Tylor - Defined culture as a complex whole, including knowledge, belief, art, law,
morals, and customs.
Defined culture as including knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, custom, and other societal
aspects

C. Fields of Anthropology

1. Cultural Anthropology - Studies cultures and societies.

2. Linguistic Anthropology - Examines language and its social and cultural contexts.
3. Archaeology - Studies past human societies through material remains.
4. Biological Anthropology - Focuses on human evolution and biological diversity.
5. Applied Anthropology - Uses anthropological knowledge to solve real-world problems.

D. Goals of Anthropology

To understand the full range of human diversity, both biological and cultural.
How humans have adapted to different environments and challenges.
III. Political Science
A. Definition

Political Science is the study of politics, government systems, political behavior, and the
theoretical and practical aspects of governance.

B. Key Figures

1. Socrates - Early philosopher who laid the groundwork for political theory, emphasizing ethics and
the role of the individual in society.
2. Plato - Socrates’ student, wrote about ideal states and governance in "The Republic."
3. Aristotle - Plato’s student, focused on different forms of government and the role of citizens.

C. Fields of Political Science

1. Political Theory - Studies ideas like justice, freedom, and democracy.

2. Public Law - Focuses on legal frameworks and their role in society.
3. Public Administration - Examines how government policies are implemented.
4. Political Dynamics - Looks at how public opinion, media, and political parties influence politics.
5. Government and Business - Studies the relationship between governments and the economy.
6. Legislatures and Legislation - Focuses on law-making bodies and the laws they create.
7. International Relations - Examines how countries interact with each other.
8. International Law - Deals with laws that govern relations between countries.
9. Comparative Government - Compares different types of government systems.

D. Goals of Political Science

To understand how political systems operate.

How political decisions are made.
To find ways to improve governance and political practices.

IV. Importance of Studying Culture, Society, and Politics

A. Culture

Understanding Culture helps us appreciate diversity, recognize the values and beliefs that shape
our actions, and promote social cohesion.
B. Society

Understanding Society allows us to see how social structures impact our lives, helps us address
social issues, and improves social well-being.

C. Politics

Understanding Politics is crucial for active citizenship, informed decision-making, and

contributing to the improvement of governance and public life.