The Social Sciences

Group 1Presented by Lisl Magboo

What are the Social Sciences?

• The explanation, order, and underlying pattern in aspects of human behavior

• Study of conscious creatures– also known as humanities

• Knowledge of the human individual• Explains:

– What influences us– Our decisions

• Social & natural sciences are similar–Common approach: explanation

• Many forms:–Psychology–Linguistics–Sociology–Anthropology

Criticisms of the Social Sciences

• Arguable – Bizarre– Science can’t explain human nature

• Critics suggest human world is based on:– Feeling– Emotion– Values

• Prescribed title: Evaluate the role of intuition in social sciences

* Can theories and laws explain the three components of the human world mentioned above? If so, how?

Determinism and Free Will

• Considered one of the greatest challenges in the social sciences

• Determinism: all choices are determined by the physical conditions that come before them– Physical conditions v.s. free choice– Space shuttle [Challenger] – page 107– Computer analogy – page 108

Compatibilism

• Challenges determinism• Everything has physical causes, but

that does not mean that we don’t have free will

** In an essence, what does this mean?… there must be a fault with determinism EVEN

if we can’t find it.

Nature v.s. Nurture

• Very controversial issue• In relation to social sciences: Is

intelligence/personality/whatever due to my intrinsic biological nature due to my upbringing or my environment?

• Potential explanations: genetic determinism & environmental determinism

• Nature & racism• Rejection of genetic determinism: equality,

all born with same opportunities

Nature v.s. Nurture cont.

• Determinism in regard to race: unfavorable to those not on top of the order

• Race superiority: violent and ugly use all over the world

* Do you think it is nature or nurture that forms the following characteristics in people? Are the reasons you give based in evidence, reason or faith?- Intelligence - Aggression- Happiness - Friendliness

‘Scientific Method’ in the Social Sciences

• Seven objections to the application of the ‘scientific method in social sciences

• Group reflection & class debriefing

BINGO! [=