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Sukanya Das, Lovely Professional University Unit-1: Development of Sociology in 19th Century

unit-1: Development of sociology in 19th century notes

contents
Objectives
Introduction

1.1 Subject Matter
1.2 Origin of Sociology
1.3 Development of Sociology
1.4 Summary
1.5 Keywords

1.6 Review Questions
1.7 Further Readings

objectives

After studying this unit, the students will be able to:

y Understanding the background of the origin of Sociology,
y To study the formation of New Social Science (Sociology),
y To understand the development of the various stages of Sociology.

introduction

Social knowledge is as ancient as human society. From the beginning of creation, man has been thinking
of and will go on thinking about his social life. To take part in community activities, it is important
that on coming various problems should be solved. It is due to these endeavour that Sociology was
born, and is continually developing. In reality the past of Sociology is very long, though its history
is very brief.
The history of sociology as a separate subject is not older than 150 yrs. Within this subject society is
studied in a scientific manner. Religion had a clear effect on past societies, social relationships, family,
marriage, property and social institutions. Even before the birth of christ, reflective thinking from
the viewpoint of philosophy was started on the various angles of social life in India, China, Arabia,
Greece, Rome etc. At that time, Manu, Kautilya, Confusius, Plato and Aristotle were renowned social
philosophers. Even though there was an attempt to understand society and social life on the basis of
religion and philosophy. But this process of study under religion and philosophy, lacked neutrality
subject–truthfulness. No importance was given to investigation and research.
Thereafter, social life and its various aspects were studied with the help of history. Knowledge of
past relationships was gained under the discipline of sociology with the help of history. The end of
18 century and the beginning of 19 century saw a mixed form of historical and philosophical study
th
th
styles. The German philosopher Hegel specially contributed to the development of this analytical
process of study. This greatly helped in the development of sociology. At that time in Europe, great

LoVeLY professionaL uniVersitY 1