Sociological naturalism

Sociological naturalism

Sociological naturalism is a theory that states that the natural world and social world are roughly identical and governed by similar principles. Sociological naturalism, in sociological texts simply referred to as naturalism, can be traced back to the philosophical thinking of Auguste Comte in the 19th century, closely connected to positivism, which advocates use of the scientific method of the natural sciences in studying social sciences. It should not be identified too closely with Positivism, however, since whilst the latter advocates the use of controlled situations like experiments as sources of scientific information, naturalism insists that social processes should only be studied in their "natural" setting. A similar form of naturalism was applied to the scientific study of art and literature by Hippolyte Taine (see Race, milieu, and moment).

In modern sociology, naturalism has been replaced by antinaturalism, as most sociologists agreed that the social world, based on human actions, differs from the natural world, governed by laws of physics.

See also

* Antipositivism
* Philosophical naturalism
* Sociological positivism


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Naturalism (literature) — Naturalism was a literary movement taking place from the 1880s to 1940s that used detailed realism to suggest that social conditions, heredity, and environment had inescapable force in shaping human character. It was depicted as a literary… …   Wikipedia

  • Naturalism (philosophy) — This article is about the term that is used in philosophy. For other uses, see Naturalism (disambiguation). Part of a series on Irreligion …   Wikipedia

  • Naturalism — Contents 1 In the arts 2 In philosophy and science 3 Other …   Wikipedia

  • Naturalism (theatre) — Photograph of the first production in Stockholm of August Strindberg s 1888 naturalistic play Miss Julie in November 1906, at The People s Theatre.[1] …   Wikipedia

  • Sociological positivism — This article describes the term positivism as used in social sciences, especially within the science of sociology. For other meanings of this word, see positivism. In sociology, anthropology, and other social sciences, the term positivism is… …   Wikipedia

  • Political naturalism — is a minor political ideology and legal system which believes that there is a natural law, just and obvious to all, that crosses ideologies, faiths and personal thinking, that naturally guaranties justice. It is inspired by sociological… …   Wikipedia

  • List of sociology topics — This is a list of topics covered in sociology. This is a shorter list: List of basic sociology topics. NOTOC A absolute poverty achieved status acid rain acute disease adaptation Adultism affect control theory affirmative action affluent… …   Wikipedia

  • Antinaturalism (sociology) — Antinaturalism is a view in sociology which states that the natural world and the social world are different. It is closely related to antipositivism, and is the opposite of sociological naturalism …   Wikipedia

  • urban sociology — Sociological concern with urbanization began with sociology itself, for it was the rapidly growing nineteenth century industrial cities that first supported those social relationships and structures which inspired the new discipline. Most early… …   Dictionary of sociology

  • HEBREW LITERATURE, MODERN — definition and scope beginnings periodization …   Encyclopedia of Judaism

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”