Thread: Complexity Science
The movement to study society as a science combining physics (math) + systems (& organisms) +/- darwinism was called SOCIOLOGY (e.g. Parson's social system).
Complexity Science, here, is effectively a branch of sociology trying to do epidemiology.
The movement to study society as a science combining physics (math) + systems (& organisms) +/- darwinism was called SOCIOLOGY (e.g. Parson's social system).
Complexity Science, here, is effectively a branch of sociology trying to do epidemiology.
From SOCIAL PHYSICS to SOCIOLOGY
Quetelet, in 1869 introduced "Physique sociale" (social physics) using math to study society as "physics".
Then A. Comte coined "sociology" and "positivism" to distinguish this new domain as positivist (scientific) but distinct from physics.
Quetelet, in 1869 introduced "Physique sociale" (social physics) using math to study society as "physics".
Then A. Comte coined "sociology" and "positivism" to distinguish this new domain as positivist (scientific) but distinct from physics.
The study of systems
Take for example the textbook "Theoretical sociology" (J. Turner; 2013), Part II is dedicated to "Modern Era of Theorising".
We have "General Systems Theorizing", continued with Ecological & Evolutionary Theorizing.
Take for example the textbook "Theoretical sociology" (J. Turner; 2013), Part II is dedicated to "Modern Era of Theorising".
We have "General Systems Theorizing", continued with Ecological & Evolutionary Theorizing.
Almost every single early sociologist tried to explain how complex societies emerged from simple ones.
The modern era of "complex system of relationships" tries so combine elements of systems + science (e.g. physics, evolution) to explain emergent phenomena.
The modern era of "complex system of relationships" tries so combine elements of systems + science (e.g. physics, evolution) to explain emergent phenomena.
The famous phrase "survival of the fittest" for natural selection was not coined by Darwin. It was coined by Herbert Spencer, a sociologist studying systems (in economy and society), by comparing his own economic theories and Darwin's biological evolution.
What's wrong with sociology?
Sociology is a set of ideas with explicit objective to study society. No problem with that.
Applied sociology, however, tends to project bounded reasoning to other domains. Often with implicit objective to change society (that supposedly studies).
Sociology is a set of ideas with explicit objective to study society. No problem with that.
Applied sociology, however, tends to project bounded reasoning to other domains. Often with implicit objective to change society (that supposedly studies).
Sociology & "-isms"
The study of social dynamics, with abstract (often subjective or vague) -isms like capitalism, communism, localism or centralism, is essential part in any textbook of.... guess what.... sociology.
Not merely to study these -isms, but to bring them to life.
The study of social dynamics, with abstract (often subjective or vague) -isms like capitalism, communism, localism or centralism, is essential part in any textbook of.... guess what.... sociology.
Not merely to study these -isms, but to bring them to life.
What's wrong with complexity?
Using complexity to claim authority over other domains is the oldest trick in the book. Eugenics did it. Sociology did it. Comte was actually open about it: sociology rules over all other sciences, due to its complexity.
Using complexity to claim authority over other domains is the oldest trick in the book. Eugenics did it. Sociology did it. Comte was actually open about it: sociology rules over all other sciences, due to its complexity.
Note: I'm reading sociology lately a lot. Much of what I read are presented on twitter as "Complexity Science". It's the same: emergent properties, systems, organisms, survival, isms (localism) & verbalisms on everything. With a pseudo-profound revelation attitude on complexity.
All in all sociology is a mind-bending & intriguing subject, like "complexity science" often appears to be. It's a privilege in a free society to openly make conjectures.
Still, a lot of conjectures. Demanding students to memorise incoherent BS, should be considered as criminal.
Still, a lot of conjectures. Demanding students to memorise incoherent BS, should be considered as criminal.
