SOC101 Lecture Notes - Tabula Rasa, Montesquieu, Social Darwinism
12 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
Theory is a statement that tries to explain how facts or events are related explains how the world works. Develop skills that are necessary to see the world from alternative perspectives. Each theorist offers unique insights into our social world. *in the middle ages, people believed that everything was decided by god, including society: classical sociological theory (1600-1750) People are responsible for creating their social worlds. Natural state: how humans existed prior to the emergence of social structures. People are motivated by self interest and the pursuit of power. God was responsible for the emergence of society and government. Tabula rasa: people are born as blank slates (influenced by society) Humans (not god) created and are defined by society. Appreciation for cultural diversity and comparative methodology. Laws define the spirit of the people, the republic, the monarchy, and despotism. The social contract: people existed in symbiotic and idyllic relationships in the natural state.
