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Key Individuals 1.2 You will be expected to identify key figures in the development of the discipline of sociology Sociologist You will create a detailed biographical sketch of a specific individual, a summary of his /her key ideas and theories on human society, and an overall assessment of the individual’s contribution to the development of society. You may use the following chart to organize the content of your research. Biographical Info (dates and events) Auguste Comte French philosopher 1798-1857 Coined the term “Sociology” and by some considered to be the founder of sociology Main Concepts/Theories on Human Interaction/Society Specific Contributions to Development of Sociology Comte’s theory that societies contain social statics (forces for social order and stability) and social dynamics (forces for conflict and change) are still used today. The idea that the objective, scientific study of society are deeply embedded in the discipline of sociology. Comte’s philosophy – positivism – a belief that the world can be best understood through scientific inquiry. Had two dimesions: Dimension 1: Methodological- the application of scientific knowledge to both physical and social phenomena Dimension 2: Social and Political- the use of such knowledge to predict the likely results of different policies so that the best one could be chosen “LAW OF THREE STAGES”: Human thinking and knowledge pass through several stages as societies evolve from simple to complex. Stage 1: Theological- explanations were based on religion and the supernatural. Stage 2: Metaphysical- explanations were based on abstract philosophical speculation Stage 3: Scientific or Positive- explanations are based on systematic observation, experimentation, comparison, and historical analysis. Harriet Martineau British sociologist (1802-1876) British Social Theorist 1820-1903 Herbert Spencer She promoted the idea that Sociology could “enlighten people’s capacity to create a just society and live heroic lives” She paid special attention to social distinctions based on class, race and gender. Her works explore the status of women, children, and “sufferers”(criminal, mentally ill, handicapped, poor, alcoholic, etc…) Major contribution was an evolutionary perspective on social order and social change. He believed societies developed through a process of struggle (for existence) and fitness (for survival) – known as survival of the fittest. Many objected to this…Societies are not the same as biological systems, people are able to transform the environment in which they live. It was used as a means to justify the repression of the poor, African Americans, Native Americans. Believed in "Survival of the Fittest", only the best adapted survive, others die out. (also referred to as natural selection) Known as Social Darwinism Emile Durkheim French sociologist 1858-1917 German economist and philosopher 1818-1883 Karl Marx Social facts are patterned ways of acting, thinking, and feeling that exist outside any one individual. Strains in society lead to anomie – a condition in which social control becomes ineffective as a result of loss of shared values and a sense of purpose in society. Most likely to occur during rapid social change. (American Civil War- The South) His ideas were more radical than sociologists who preceded him. Believed that society existed through constant struggle and conflict between the capitalist class (wealthy) and the working class (not wealthy). Believed that capitalist class exploited the labour of the workers which resulted in feelings of alienation (powerlessness and estrangement from one's self and others). He established one of the most important contributions to sociology – the idea that societies are built on social facts (aka social norms). Stressed the importance that people are the product of their social environment and that behaviour cannot be fully understood in terms of individual biological, and psychological traits. Wrote the Communist Manifesto; considered the father of Communism. He believed conflict was necessary in order to produce social change and a better society. Believed that society should not just be studied, but changed, due to its formation from a few wealthy people over the rest of population German social scientist 1864-1920 Max Weber George Simmel German sociologist 1858-1918 Weber understood that sociology cannot be completely value free. Sociologists need to use VERSTEHEN (understanding and insight) to enable them to see the world from another perspective other than their own. Weber feared the growth and development of large scale organizations, as a way of taking away human vitality and freedom. His focus was to examine social interaction in groups Notes that interaction varies among group size interaction (2 is different than 3). Developed formal sociology – an approach that focuses attention on universal, recurring social forms that underlie the varying content of social interaction. Believed that large organizations (bureaucracies) exerted control over society and used influence to secure the interests of the wealthy. Weber was a major believer in the value of objective research and data in the study of sociology. Simmel believed that our social interactions depended greatly on the size of the social group. Believed that class conflict was increasing as the world became more and more industrialized. Simmel was very interested in protecting the independence and strength of individuals in society .