GS211 Study Guide - Millennium Development Goals, Leviathan, Development Theory
Document Summary
Can be used for predictions about phenomena. Expected to follow principles of rational thought & logic. In social science - scholars develop hypothesis & collect evidence to prove their theory. Theory can be accepted if there is strong evidence, no need to test all predictions. Predicted result referred to as theoretical perspective" if proved wrong later must be revised / theory rejected. Social theory = nonspiritual alternative to religion as an explanation. Thomas hobbes (1588 1679) after bloody war between catholics & protestants, Hobbes"s leviathan offered a worldly theory of social order. Argued: society is founded on authority (leviathan = law giver) needed for stability. No leviathan = war against all & life is rough. Adapted by karl marx & lenin, transformed lawgiver into communist revolutionary. Devotion, not fear = foundation of social order. Private freedom depends on public equality needs a lawgiver. Durkheim later pursued the link between social solidarity & religious sentiment.
