Introductory
Concepts and Historical Developments of Sociology
ABSTRACT
The term “sociology” was coined by August
Comte in the nineteenth century from the Latin word “socios”
(companion with others) and the Greek word “logos” (study of reason) to describe
the new science of social life. The discussion of this paper focuses on the
introductory concepts and the empirical investigation of sociology that will
provide information about the concepts of society while the historical
development presents forerunners in the development of sociology.
The relationship of sociology is presented
to analyze the major concern of all disciplines in social sciences such as sociology,
psychology, anthropology, history, economics, political science, and even
religion. This is followed by the discussion on the forerunners in the
development of sociology that focuses on the work of Auguste
Comte in his Positive Philosophy. He presented interesting insights as to his
social and scientific achievements of his time. The contribution of the other forerunners
in development of sociology which include Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber,
Herbert Spencer, George Herbert Mead,
and Talcott Parsons.
The other area on the introductory concept
in the development sociology also provides general information as to the
methods of sociological inquiry to study the culture of specific societal
group. On the application of the scientific inquiry, this paper indicates
specific social research in sociology as applied in health care.
