Week 1 Flashcards
What is theory?
A system of generalized statements or propositions about social phenomena, built from concepts, definitions and relationships
What is positionality?
The idea that we are all our own unique identity/entity experiencing everything from our own unique way
No scientific method is devoid of ______?
Theory
Who coined the sociological imagination
C. Wright Mills
What is the sociological imagination?
The link between the individual and the social structure that they are embedded in. What your identity is based on what your opportunities are
Explain a few differences between ideology and theory
Ideology: A manner of thinking, characteristic of an individual, group, or culture. Ideologies are not tested and not scientifically proven.
Theory: A system of generalized statements or propositions about social phenomena To be theoretical we need insight, explanatory power and definition. Theories are constantly tested with scientific methods such through quantitative and qualitative approaches
Wheel of Science:
Theory —> hypotheses —-> empirical observations —> generalizations —> theories….
What is the theoretical perspective?
A set of interrelated theories that offer explanations for important aspects of the social world.
What is Feudalism and what caused its demise?
A historical time period (an origin of sociology) where rulers got their authority to rule through Catholic church. The demise of Feudalism erupted through a change of ideas, leading to the Renaissance.
Name 3 major scientists/sociologists from the Renaissance period:
Copernicus, Galileo, Newton
Who created Positivism?
August Comte
What is positivism?
The belief in the infinite potential of human knowledge and that everything in the Universe is Empirical and operates according to invariant, natural laws. It’s also believed that Positivism is the best way to improve human existence.
What is the “queen of sciences”?
Comte’s idea about sociology because it encompasses all other sciences
What are the 3 stages of knowledge through social evolution?
Theological: things happen because of a supernatural force
Metaphysical: abstract forces guide events
Positivistic: finding out why and how things happen
What is Post Positivism?
A counterargument to Positivism that is still used today. It doesn’t believe in the social physics behind Positivism. It judges Positivism for not accounting for outliers
