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7. Sociology, like any discipline, features some divisions. What are some of the cleavages in the field and why might they be described as false dichotomies?

Sociology is the study which seeks to understand society, social life and to understand ourselves, humans, as part of that social world [Giddens, A, 2006, p.2]. The term ‘sociology’ was developed by Auguste Comte, a French philosopher, in 1838. Comte believed that scientific facts are able to explain the social world. Sociologists, such as Comte, study issues including: education, inequality and religion. Comte believed that sociologists play crucial roles in guiding society. In the 18th century the ‘Enlightenment’, which was a philosophical movement that stressed human reasoning over bling faith and obedience. At the time it was different to the religious and political order, as it encouraged a ‘scientific’ was of thinking. Political

“Suicide is applied to all cases of death resulting directly or indirectly from a positive or negative act of the victim himself, which he knows will produce this result” (Durkheim 34). Suicide is a phenomenon that has plagued our world since the beginning of time. It currently accounts for the second leading cause of death in people ages ten to twenty-four years old (Garni Powerpoint). This means of ending your own life is something we can prevent as a society. If we can eliminate societal pressures and stereotypes we can all be treated equally. All suicides during a certain time period are grouped together, when in all reality we should be treating each situation as it’s own. Durkheim states “...with it’s own unity, individuality, and consequently its own nature- a nature, furthermore, dominantly social”.

Two names that are repeatedly mentioned in sociological theory are Karl Marx and Max Weber. In some ways these two intellectuals were similar in the way they looked at society. There are also some striking differences. In order to compare and contrast these two individuals it is necessary to look at each of their ideas. Then a comparison of their views can be illustrated followed by examples of how their perspectives differ from each other.

Furthermore, social scientists have not been too involved in the topic of suicide. Since 1990-2009 there have not been many article on the topic and the disinterest can derive from the presumption that suicide is a lonesome act. The article “Suicide and the Creative Class,” states that, “Durkheim ([1897] 2006) illustrated that suicide is a social phenomenon by stating that levels of integration and

Chapter 1 of Essential of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach by James M. Henslin is an introduction to the field of sociology. It discusses how history and biography are essential to the sociological perspective. Even though the world is much more global than it used to be, we still have different family backgrounds, religions, jobs, genders, races, ethnicities, and social classes. Sociology is believed to have originated in the middle 1800s, which is when people began transitioning from agricultural life to city life, and many monarchies were becoming democracies. Some famous early sociologists were Auguste Comte, who coined the term sociology, Herbert Spencer, who believed in Social Darwinism, and Karl Marx, who created the class conflict theoretical perspective.

The first major topic comes down to religion. I am catholic so I will use Catholicism as an example. People reflect on scripture saying that the bible does not seem to talk about suicide but I have found a verse that seems to speak otherwise. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 states "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple". This verse says, plain and simply, that if we destroy ourselves (suicide) that God will destroy us. So for those that

I formerly associated the term “sociology” with a mundane definition: the study of the different complexities of society. Now, only after a few classes, a litany of connections sparks when I hear the word “sociology”. I think about the different levels of analysis- societal, group, and individual- and how they interact with and influence one another. I think about the philosopher Aristotle’s point that humans lack their humanity without social interaction, and we would simply be animals without the connections we make. Now, when I read the word “sociology” I think about the industrial revolution, and my past knowledge of the push-pull factors when it comes to the migration of people, and urbanization and how the advancement of technology plays a role. I unmistakably think about Comte, and how the industrial revolution of France led to Comte attempting to make sense of the ever-increasing changes that were occurring in the nation, and how these thoughts ultimately created the discipline of sociology. I previously understood the theory that every factor within the social world is to serve a function, but I also learned the difference between manifest and latent functions. I find it compelling that the purpose of certain functions is beyond the understanding of the people performing them (hence the term latent

This claim responds to the problem of the increased amount of suicide over the years. Places where individualism is the highest priority can cause this problem. Durkheim, the “father of sociology” is cited by Smith. She uses his research to support her claim. The research shows the significance of community

Karl Marx theoretical perspective on conflict is by far one the most interesting theories in sociology. Born into a middle class family in Germany, he had a very close relationship with his father. Marx began his studies in law, but switched to philosophy.

Why is suicide the most debated topic in philosophy? There are many causes for a suicide, and generally the most obvious ones were not the most powerful. Rarely is suicide committed reflection. What sets off the crisis is almost always unverifiable. It is hard to fix the precise instant, the subtle step when the mind opted for death, it is easier to take away from the act itself the consequences it implies. Showing that the

Sociology began in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Western Europe. Around this time, the political and economic systems in Europe were changing. Things like the Monarchy, (which was the

Harriett Martineau can be considered the first sociologist, she not only influenced Marx’s work on the political economy, but brought positivism to the English speaking world. Martineau was the first to collect data through observation, and speak for and to the people.

He assumed that, this new approach would allow us to understand each other better thus, create a better future. Through, he was not the only theorists of sociology and in the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th century, such scientists as Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max weber and others contributed into development of newly aroused scholarship. The forerunners of sociology initially were educated in other academic disciplines such as, philosophy, economics and history. It is clear now that their previous education was reflected in the subjects and matters that they have explored, including philosophy, theology, religion, economics, psychology, education, ethics and inequality.

Q1. Sociology is the study of society and the social lives of each individual, group or society. Sociology uses patterns of social interactions, social culture and relationships to understand individual and group behaviours. The word sociology was used first by French philosopher, Auguste Comte (1798-1857). He believed that we could use the scientific method to study society in the same way as we use it to study other sciences. Around the late 18th century into the 19th century, technology had begun to revolutionise the life of Europe. Previous to this, life for most was fairly normal; you were born into a particular family, set up for a particular job, born into a particular place and so on. You would likely build your own house and live off food you’d grown mostly yourself. You were essentially tied to your family, job and hometown. However, with the introduction of industrial production, everything was sped up and changed how things used to be and it was known as the enlightenment. Before, society was controlled by strict traditions, superstitions, strongly held beliefs, and religion. For example, many people believed that the monarch could cure all diseases. However, after the enlightenment religion changed and didn 't have such a large influence as before as people began to realise it wasn 't the solution to all their problems, nurses/doctors (normal people) could cure diseases too. Farm production was more efficient, so less agricultural workers were needed. Workers