Social Philosophy
Social Philosophy
Social Philosophy
- JHERSON A. GRAVIDES
The word Philosophy is of ancient Greek origin meaning Love
of Knowledge or Love of Wisdom. There are many branches
of philosophy such as Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Logic,
Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of
mind, Social and Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Education,
Philosophy of Beauty (Aesthetics), Philosophy of Language, etc.
Philosophy deals with certain general problems regarding the
universe, human life, mans place in the universe, his duties and
human values. Philosophy discusses and critically evaluates the
general concepts such as Knowledge, Truth, God, Values,
Space, Time, Cause, Liberation, etc.
Social Philosophy is one of the main and important
branches of Philosophy. It is the thoughtful consideration of
human society. It gives insight into the actual activities of
human beings in the society. A Social Philosopher tries to
study society from philosophical point of view and tries to
find out the link between human society and the basic
nature of Ultimate Reality.
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY: ITS NATURE
AND SCOPE
Man is a social animal. The entire existence of every human
being is sustained, nurtured, furthered and developed in all
the aspects through the active cooperation of his fellow
beings. Social Philosophy tries to find out the basic laws
which operate in the society and influence human
relations. Its aim consists in discovering the meaning of the
actual mode of existence.
In Western civilization, we can find traces of Social
Philosophy in Platos Republic. Plato depicted the picture
of ideal society (Utopia). He classified the people of the
society into three categories as per their talents into Rulers,
warriors and workers. Plato stated that philosopher must be
the King. Aristotles Social Philosophy is more realistic. For
him the chief aim of the state is to produce good citizens
who can perform their ethical duties in a better way.
The rapid development in physics, mathematics and
mechanics in the 17th century had great impact on Social
Philosophy. It exposed the drawbacks of social institutions
and set forth ideals for the guidance of conduct in society.
In the 19th and 20th century, Social Philosophy became
more comprehensive and systematic. Its aim was to
interpret society with reference to the essential social unity
of mankind.
Definition of Social Philosophy :