Human-Person-in-the-society

THE HUMAN PERSON IN SOCIETY

WHAT IS A SOCIETY

  • Definition: An organized group of people whose members interact frequently and have a common territory and culture.

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

  • Concept: Explored during the Enlightenment by social philosophers examining natural laws governing human societies.

  • Significance: Theories proposed regarding the formation and organization of societies.

SOCIAL CONTRACT

  • Definition: An agreement where individuals sacrifice a part of their freedom to submit to a higher authority.

    • Philosopher: Thomas Hobbes

CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED

  • Philosophy: Individuals are more cooperative in their natural state, and society is formed through individual consent.

    • Philosopher: John Locke

GENERAL WILL

  • Concept: Although individuals set up society, a government can impose its will on the people in extreme cases.

    • Philosopher: Jean Jacques Rousseau

ORIGINAL POSITION

  • Theory: Humans under a "Veil of Ignorance" would seek a just and fair society, unaware of their own characteristics.

    • Philosopher: John Rawls

SELF-INTEREST

  • Role: A crucial factor in building and maintaining societies, where individuals enter into agreements founded on the common good.

DIFFERENT FORMS OF SOCIETIES

  • Overview of different societal structures:

    1. Hunting and Gathering Society

      • Earliest and simplest form of society.

    2. Pastoral Society

      • Characterized by the domestication of animals for a stable food supply.

    3. Horticultural Society

      • Small-scale cultivation of plants and domestication of animals.

    4. Agrarian or Agricultural Society

      • Further evolution from pastoral and horticultural societies.

    5. Feudal Society

      • Based on land ownership; developed in medieval Western Europe.

    6. Industrial Society

      • Relies on specialized machinery for production of goods and services.

    7. Post-Industrial Society

      • Centered around knowledge, information, and the sale of services.

    8. Virtual Society

      • Organization through communication technology and the internet.

HOW DOES SOCIETY INFLUENCE OUR DEVELOPMENT AS PERSONS?

  • Dynamic Relationship: Society and the individual have an interdependent relationship.

  • Methods of Influence: Society affects personal development in various ways.

NORMS

  • Definition: Traits and behaviors society considers acceptable, which are encouraged and passed on.

LAWS

  • Characteristics: More formal norms that dictate acceptable behavior among citizens, establishing order.

FOLKWAYS

  • Nature: Less formal customs emerging from tradition that do not incur punishment if violated.

SOCIAL SYSTEM

  • Definition: A structured set of relationships among individuals and groups constituting a society.

SOCIAL ROLE

  • Description: Actions and behaviors expected from individuals in specific positions within society.

SOCIAL GROUPS OR SOCIAL CLASSES

  • Description: Individuals sharing similar backgrounds or performing similar roles in society.

SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

  • Function: Groups fulfilling vital societal roles, including family, education, government, and religion.

SOCIAL VALUES

  • Importance: Ideals and actions regarded as vital to the society.

SOCIAL MOVEMENT

  • Concept: Large-scale actions by groups targeting social change toward a common goal.

HOW DOES SOCIETY ENABLE US TO BECOME BETTER PERSONS?

  • Recognition of Capability: Society assists individuals in realizing their potential and offers opportunities for personal growth.

  • Contribution to Society: Individuals can impact society positively through their decisions and actions.

  • Transformation of Relations: Society facilitates changes in human interactions, leading to personal transformation.