Relationship between Sociology and Philosophy

Relationship between Sociology and Philosophy

Sociology has its closest relationship with philosophy. Before the study of subject is born and systematized it is essential that it must have some philosophy. Unless there is some philosophy, subject cannot be born. Thus, their relationship is quite obvious that philosophies of great sociologists have always influenced society and course of thinking.

Similarities:

1. Philosophy of Sociology: Any science has a philosophy of its own in the sense it is commit­ted to acquire knowledge relevant to its field in its own legitimate ways. Sociology is ever vigilant in its examination of the methods, concepts and arguments. This philosophical scrutiny is more ur­gently felt in sociology than in the natural sciences because of the very nature of sociology.

2. Sociology entertains Philosophical Thoughts: More than any other social science, socio­logy raises to a greater extent philosophical problems in its studies. Hence a sociologist at studies is bound to consider the philosophical issues which are always in the background of sociological problem only a sociological theory but also a “Philosophical world view” and a “revolutionary doctrine.”

3. Intimate relationship between Sociology and Social Philosophy: Social Philosophy seems to be the meeting point of sociology and philosophy. The epistemological aspect is concerned with the question of knowledge; and the axiological aspect deals with the question of value. Its ontological function is to deal with concept of social life, whereas eiteriological function is to discuss principles of social sciences.

4. Critical Thinking and Analysis: Both disciplines encourage critical thinking and analytical skills. They emphasize the examination of concepts, theories, and arguments, and the ability to evaluate and critique different perspectives.

5. Theoretical Reflection: Both sociology and philosophy involve the development and application of theoretical frameworks. They offer theories and concepts to explain social phenomena, explore social structures and processes, and understand human behaviour.

6. Ethical and Moral Inquiry: Both disciplines address ethical and moral questions. Philosophy examines moral theories and ethical frameworks, while sociology explores social norms, values, and the implications of social inequalities and injustices.

It is believed that since social philosophy entirely deals with society, therefore, it has very close relationship with sociology and that is very much true as well.

Differences:

The differences between sociology and philosophy are as follows:

1. As compared to philosophy, sociology is a new science.

2. The study area of sociology is extensive whereas that of philosophy is limited.

3. Sociology is a normal social science whereas philosophy is a special social science.

4. Sociology is the study of human society whereas philosophy is the study of fundamentals for all aspects of life.

5. Philosophy is primarily an attempt to understand reality in its totality whereas the sociologist explains society in terms of acts observed in society and explanation he gives to total reality

6. The scope of philosophy is limited that of the sociology is very wide and comprehensive.

7. Philosophical is largely theoretical and quite often seen utopian but sociology is practical and a sociologist is faced with hard realities of life.