SOCIOL 1Z03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Tabula Rasa, Montesquieu, Microsociology

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOCIOL 1Z03
• Professor: Lina Samuel

Document Summary

A theory is a statement that tries to explain how certain facts or variables are related in order to predict future events. Locke"s contribution to social theory was his advocacy of individual freedom and autonomy, which ultimately built the foundation upon which democracy and the us constitution were established. Charles de montesquieu (1689 1755) challenged these views by suggesting that people had never existed outside, or without, society. Before the enlightenment, people"s thinking was directed by god, the church, and the aristocracy. Enlightenment thinking, however, promoted human agency and thus was a clear continuation of the writings of hobbes, locke, montesquieu, and rousseau. The ability of the masses to take control of their lives and challenge their oppressors ultimately led to the american and french revolutions. Enlightenment thinking was inherently revolutionary as it confirmed the importance of self-reflection, and challenged tradition, the church, and the rich and powerful.