Sociology the Comparative Method - 1929 Words

Sociology: The Comparative Method Sociologists have embraced what is known as the comparative method as the most efficient way to expose taken-for-granted truths or laws that people have adopted. But what is this comparative method and how does it work? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to exposing these false truths. What forms or variations of the comparative method exist? In the pages to follow I will attempt to give you some insight and understanding of what the comparative method is, and how it works. The comparative method, simply put, is the process of comparing two things (in our case societies, or the people that make up society) and seeing if the result of the comparison shows a difference between the two. The†¦show more content†¦Rather, she states that men tend to approach moral issues quite differently than women. Where as men view morale issues with a dont interfere with my rights view, women focus more on the responsibility end of the morale involved. Thus we can conclude, thanks to th e comparative method, that the constructed truth that all people view morale issues the same is not a correct one. Another quick example of a cross-gender comparison would be that of the house-wife. Still today most men view the role of the married woman as one that involves being a house-wife, in the traditional sense of the term. However, women today certainly would not view themselves in the same manner. The data collected from a comparison such as this could help to dereify this socially constructed truth. Cross-class comparisons is also a comparison commonly used when attempting to expose constructed truths between two classes. i.e. lower-class, upper-class, middle-class. For an example I refer to my lecture notes. Our professor gave us a fine example of a cross-class comparison involving his own life. He was from a middle-class family and attended a public school where he got involved with various kids from the middle and lower class. He grew up in this type of environmen t and accepted it as the his life as the way society was. To him, there was not another lifestyle. This was life. Several events occurred and because ofShow MoreRelatedSociology - The Comparative Method1739 Words   |  7 PagesSociology The Comparative Method Sociologists have embraced what is known as the comparative method as the most efficient way to expose taken-for-granted truths or laws that people have adopted. But what is this comparative method and how does it work? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to exposing these false truths. What forms or variations of the comparative method exist? In the pages to follow I will attempt to give you some insight and understanding of what the comparative methodRead MorePhilosophy, Phenomenology And Comparative Approachs851 Words   |  4 Pagesindividual aspect. Then there is the sociological approach which looks at group behavior. Then there is also the anthropological approach which is looks at societies, cultures and things of that nature. Lastly there is the philosophy, phenomenology and comparative approachs. The psychological approach to religion allows us to examine the individual. The psychology of religion is to understand the personal religious experience. William James who many deem the father of the psychology of religion field. WilliamRead MoreOur Perceptions Of Society Can Be Divided Into Two Opposing Frames Of Reference924 Words   |  4 Pageswork environment in respect to their individual roles and aspirations. Social imagination contains a comparative nature which gives individuals a sense of meaning and belonging in their lives. This methodology enables researchers to compare sociology with other disciplines of society, such as history. Historians centralize on explaining unique cases that occurred in previous time, while sociology is more focused on the commonalities in history’s events. Although these disciplines have conflictingRead MoreGraduation Speech : Senior Honors Program1321 Words   |  6 PagesSenior Honors Program, because I think it will be an excellent way to complete my experience as a sociology undergraduate student at UC Berkeley. Since transferring to UC Berkeley in the Fall of 2015, many of the courses I have taken have focused on research and its importance to the field of sociology. The continued exposure to the diverse topics of sociological research, as well as the varied methods researchers use to collect their data, has shown me that many of questions I ask about the socialRead MoreAnthropology : A Study Of Humanity1202 Words   |  5 Pagesdata collection can be identified with many other types of social sciences. Sociology and economics also employ the use of observation, interviews, and individual accounts. However, something that sets anthropology aside from these other areas of study is the ready use of the scientific method. Like other scientists, anthropologists use the scientific method to obtain and understand their research. The use of this method helps give scientific validity to anthropological findings while also emphasizingRead MoreSummary of Durkheims Sociological Theory958 Words   |  4 PagesEmile Durkheim is one of the major leaders in the delineation of sociology. Durkheim set out on a mission to define how sociology should be considered and how the method of sociology should be used. Although Durkheim’s writing does touch upon certain moral, political organization, and intellectual issues, overall, D urkheim sets out to provide a theoretical construction for the study of sociology. Durkheim desires to understand societal life through various social constructs. His agenda entailsRead MoreGender Relations Between Rural Areas And The West Of Iran1580 Words   |  7 PagesSummary of the Article   This paper gives a detailed analysis of a peer-reviewed sociology paper to discuss the theme in the paper, giving a summary of the article with research methods and research findings plus relevance of the paper ‘Geographical Perspective on Gender Relations in Rural Areas; a Comparative Study in North and West  of Iran’. The article ‘Geographical Perspective on Gender Relations in Rural Areas; a Comparative Study in North and West of Iran’ featured in the volume 10 issue 2 of theRead MoreComparative Method in Sociological Research2331 Words   |  10 PagesThe Phrase â€Å"comparative method† refers to the method of comparing different societies or groups within the same society to show whether and why they are similar or different in certain respects. Both Montesquieu and Auguste Comte, often regarded as the founders of sociology, used or recommended ‘comparison’ to establish and explain both differences and similarities between societies. The comparative method was for long considered the method par excellence of sociology. According to Andre BeteilleRead MoreEssay about What Makes Sociology Different?856 Words   |  4 Pages Before commencing a discussion on analyzing the article â€Å"What makes sociology a different discipline† from the other sciences we should have the know-how about sociology. In the words of modern thinkers of sociology namely Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim â€Å"Social fact should be the subject matter for the study of social life and can provide explanations for human thinking and behavior (p19)†. What we infer from the above definition is that man is born as a social animal. Man cannot liveRead MoreMy Philosophy Of Teaching Philosophy1145 Words   |  5 Pagesacademia. Through interactive teaching methods such as group work, role play, and joint presentations I seek not only to encourage students to engage with me as an instructor, but also to exchange and discuss ideas with their fellow students. I am a firm believer in the value of interdisciplinary teaching and research. Therefore, I seek to make my students familiar with concepts and research that reac hes beyond political science and is related to law, sociology, and economics, to name just a few examples

Aristotle s Views On Happiness - 1509 Words

This paper will focus on Aristotle’s claim that happiness is an activity and not just a momentary pleasure. Skeptics claim happiness is a state of mind and Aristotle is wrong to claim that happiness is an ongoing pursuit a person must actively strive for during one’s life. This paper argues that Aristotle is correct when he states that happiness is an activity, the central purpose of human life and a goal in itself that individuals strive for throughout the entirety of their lifetime and ultimately attain rather than a feeling a person experiences at any given moment. First, Aristotle’s view of happiness will be explained and then I will present objections to Aristotle’s claim that happiness is an activity. Lastly, I will address the†¦show more content†¦Aristotle’s belief is that the happiness a person experiences by living an excellent and meaningful life is much more than temporary pleasure that is found and lost in a short period of tim e. Aristotle explains happiness as being self-sufficient and is continually sought after in practice. He explains the path to fully understand ultimate happiness is â€Å"best done by first ascertaining the proper function of man† (1097b 22-24). The function of man, according to Aristotle, differs from all other natural organism on Earth. Human beings are unique having the ability to understand and reason (1098a 1-5). Because we can reason we are capable of learning from our mistakes and will actively pursue virtue since we understand the consequences of our actions. Aristotle points out that animals and children differ in this respect as they lack the capability of making rational decisions (1100a 1-3). Aristotle uses the example of the harpist, â€Å"the proper function of a harpist is to play the harp; the function of the harpist who has high standards is to play it well† (1098a 12-13). Aristotle explains the goal or end for the good harpist is attaining excellence in playing the harp through constant repetition and practice. Individuals who have the ability to reason can follow this example of the harpist and strive for excellence in activities that demonstrate virtue. Similar to the harpist who uses constant reinforcement and endless practice to achieveShow MoreRelatedAristotle s Views On Happiness2248 Words   |  9 Pages Happiness is the fundamental objective of life. This bold statement is unanimously agreed upon among generations of people on every corner of our planet. However, the real question that has been contested for centuries is the true meaning of happiness? The true meaning of happiness is one of the most highly debated philosophy topics in history. Most famous are the writings of Aristotle and John Stuart Mill who both paint very opposing pictures of happiness. Mill believes happiness is obtained throughRead MoreAristotle s Views On Happiness1394 Words   |  6 Pages Happiness Happiness. It is not measurable, profitable, nor tradable. Yet, above all else in the world, it is what people seek. There are many claims that happiness can be achieved through money, yet many challenge that theory. The modern definition of happiness claimed by the dictionary is â€Å"feelings of joy and pleasure mingled together†. In other words, it is claimed to be a state of mind. However, Aristotle proposed that, rather than being a state of emotion throughout life, happiness is the finalRead MoreAristotle s Views On Happiness999 Words   |  4 PagesAristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, Boethius, Augustine, and Aquinas connected on writing about the phenomenon of human happiness. Through these philosophers, various ideologies on happiness gets to be distinctly conceivable for one to distinguish and recognize the difference between what people think or feel happiness is and what the true state of happiness is. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle said happiness is the value and reason for every good thing, so happiness is deserving of respect. ForRead MoreAristotle s Views On Happiness1505 Words   |  7 PagesAristotle argues that the most important thing in peoples lives is the virtue of happiness. He writes that one attains happiness by living a life of virtue - our definition is in harmony with those who say that happiness is virtue, or a particular virtue; because an activity in accordance with virtue implies virtue. Indeed, we may go further and assert that anyone who does not delight in fine actions is not even a good man.(Aristotle) A life of virtue implies a life of reasoning for the end goalRead MoreAristotle s Views On Happiness1582 Words   |  7 Pagesothers. For example, there is almost nothing from Aristotle that I agree with, but I agree with almost everything Berry says. In this essay, I will walk through Aristotle, Berry, and Day, and decide whether I agree or disagree . Then, I will give my own personal view on happiness. ARISTOTLE: Aristotle was an Ancient Greek philosopher who was taught by Plato, and taught Alexander the Great. In his writings, Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle states that happiness is a way of walking through life, and is a completeRead MoreAristotle s View Of Happiness1810 Words   |  8 PagesAccording to Aristotle, happiness is the highest goal of a human being, because it is the only goal that is an end in itself, and is not pursued for the sake of something else. He defines happiness as: â€Å"activity of the soul in accordance with complete virtue in a complete life.† He then goes on, in Book X, to argue that the complete happiness for human beings lies in the life of study. Plato, on the other hand, does agree that all humans aim to achieve the highest goal or end (telos), but does notRead MoreAristotle s Views On Happiness And Moral Virtue Essay1593 Words   |  7 PagesTiverio Madrigal Landa Philosophy 002 October 13, 2016 Happiness and Moral Virtue Every few decades, an individual revolutionizes the way that we think and perceive the world. During the year 300 B.C., the foundation of philosophy was started by Aristotle and his learning from Plato and Socrates. A few centuries later, Thomas Hobbes beliefs challenged Aristotle s views. At the time, it was not known that their ideas would revolutionize the way we see the world around us today. Even though theyRead MoreAristotle s Views On Human Happiness1022 Words   |  5 Pages2 -PURPOSE OF HAPPINESS For Aristotle, happiness was related to a natural function. He argued that if we as human fulfilled our natural function/purpose then we will be able to be happy and â€Å"want for nothing at all† (page 91). Aristotle believed that human happiness refers to the function most proper to the human should and essentially the function must be exclusive to human. He argues that this supposed function is a practical aspect of life that comes from the rational part within humans. The useRead MoreAristotle s Views On Morality And Happiness1948 Words   |  8 PagesJared Sanders 5/4/16 PHI 372: Ethical Inquiry Term Paper What, if anything, does happiness have to do with morality. According to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, there is a direct connection between morality and happiness. Aristotle states that happiness is the main goal of human existence. He follows this idea by saying the only way to achieve happiness is through his account of morality. Aristotle’s â€Å"happiness† is a translation of the Greek word Eudaimonia. A definition of Eudaimonia could be â€Å"theRead MoreThe Philosophy Of Aristotle s Views On Happiness And Human Flourishing With His Philosophy991 Words   |  4 Pagesback. For example, I put into my life my thoughts, my beliefs and my behaviors. What I get back from this is my reality that my thoughts, beliefs and behaviors have created. In my philosophy like Aristotle, I believe in Aristotle’s views on happiness and human flourishing with his philosophy. (Aristotle 4) I also believe in some of Kant’s philosophy through his concept of its our duty to live up to our highest moral capacity. (Kant 3) I believe it will make the world a better place in the sense that

Count Alessandro Volta Essay Example For Students

Count Alessandro Volta Essay Count Alessandro Volta (1742-1827)Count Alessandro Volta was born in 1745 at Como, Italy. He was educated in public schools and in 1774, he became professor of Physics at the Royal School in Como. The following year he devised the electrophorus, an instrument that produced charges of static electricity. In 1776-1777 he applied himself to chemistry, studying atmospheric electricity and devising experiments such as the ignition of gases by an electric spark in a closed vessel. In 1779 he became professor of physics at the University of Pavia, a chair he occupied for 25 years. In 1800, Volta discovered the battery by studying earlier experiments. He believed that metals that are different could create electricity when in contact with each other. In his experiment, he stacked copper, zinc and cardboard, which was soaked in salt water. When both ends of the stack were touched, electricity flowed. This was the first battery. There is not a lot of information on Count Alessandro Voltas life, but there are records of Napoleon giving him the title of Count in 1801 in gratitude for his inventions that have revolutionized the world of today. The Electric BatteryElectricity has fascinated human kind since our ancestors first witnessed lightning. In ancient Greece, Thales observed that an electric charge could be generated by rubbing amber, for which the Greek word is electron. The German physicist Otto von Guericke experimented with generating electricity in 1650, the English physicist Stephen Gray discovered electrical conductivity in 1729, and the American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin studied the properties of electricity by conducting his famous experiment of flying a kite with a key attached during electrical storms. However, the first workable device for generating a consistent flow of electricity was invented around 1799 by the Italian inventor Alessandro Volta. Voltas discovery of a means of converting chemical energy into electrical energy formed the basis for nearly all modern batteries. Beginning his work in 1793, Volta observed the electrical interaction between two different metals submerged near each other in an acidic solution. Based on this principle, his first battery consisted of a series of alternating copper and zinc rings in an acid solution known as an electrolyte. He called his invention a column battery, although it came to be commonly known as the Volta battery or Voltaic cell. The term volt, a unit for measuring electrical potential difference and electromotive force, is also derived from his name.

Swifts A Modest Proposal In His Lengthy Literary Career, Jonathan Swif

Swift's "A Modest Proposal" In his lengthy literary career, Jonathan Swift wrote many stories that used a broad range of voices that were used to make some compelling personal statements. For example, Swifts, A Modest Proposal, is often heralded as his best use of both sarcasm and irony. Yet taking into account the persona of Swift, as well as the period in which it was written, one can prove that through that same use of sarcasm and irony, this proposal is actually written to entertain the upper-class. Therefore the true irony in this story lies not in the analyzation of minute details in the story, but rather in the context of the story as it is written. One of the voices that is present throughout the story is that of irony. The story itself is ironic since no one can take Swifts proposal seriously. This irony is clearly demonstrated at the end of the story; Swift makes it clear that this proposal would not affect him since his children were grown and his wife unable to have a ny more children. It would be rather absurd to think that a rational man would want to both propose this and partake in the eating of another human being. Therefore, before an analyzation can continue, one has to make the assumption that this is strictly a fictional work and Swift had no intention of pursuing his proposal any further. One of the other voices that is present throughout the entire story is that of sarcasm. In order to understand this further, a reader has to comprehend that Swift, becoming infamous after Gullivers Travels, was a member of the upper-class. Right from the first paragraph Swift attempts to fool his readers by the sarcasm of the dreary scene that Swift presents. For example, he mentions that it is a melancholy sight to see beggars and their children on the street. The sarcastic paradox in this statement is whether it is a melancholy object for him, having to see homeless people every day, or for the beggars lifestyle? Upon first reading this one may b e led to believe that Swift is a compassionate writer attempting to feel the pain of the beggars. But as the story continues, a reader can look back and note that he is using a sarcastic tone and the only sad sight that he sees is the fact that people of his status have to deal with commoners. It is a good combination that makes the reader think twice about any other statements, and the voice used, after the first paragraph. This leads to the underlying statements that appear throughout the story. It is quite clear that Swift has strong feelings of resentment, bordering on hate, for the poor people that wonder the street. For example, he tries to qualify his proposal by saying, "it is very well known that they are dying, and rotting , by cold and famine, and filth, and vermin . . . they cannot get work and consequently pine away for want of nourish.". Once a reader understands this, they can see the true purpose of his proposal. He wants to lower the population of beggars in his country, so what better way to do it than by putting an end to the younger generation of beggars? This is also proven since throughout the story he only mentions that the upper-class of society would be able to purchase the sacrificial children. The upper-class would also take the carcasses and use them to, "make admirable gloves for ladies summer boots for fine gentlemen.". Also, when he makes his calculations as to how many children would be available for sale, he never takes into account the children from the rich families. In short, Swifts message is that rich children serve a purpose, the advancement of Ireland, while poor children are nothing but a burden to the republic. One other clear indication that Swift was motivated by his hatred for the poor is the list of six reasons that he write to qualify his proposal. In the third statement, Swift explains how by buying the children and then selling them to their friends, the upper-class can keep on thriving. This