Question 1

In describing the law of the three stages,Auguste Comte believed that knowledge moved to the __________,where explanations were based on abstract philosophical speculations,and the state becomes the prominent social unit.

Accepted Answer

According to Auguste Comte, the law of the three stages posited that knowledge progressed through three stages - the theological stage, the metaphysical stage, and the positive stage. In the metaphysical stage, explanations were based on abstract philosophical speculations, rather than concrete observation and experimentation, and the state becomes the prominent social unit. Therefore, the best choice is C - metaphysical stage.

Question 2

Emphasis on the individual's possession of critical reasoning and experience is associated with the origins of sociological thinking and with __________.

Accepted Answer

The emphasis on individual reasoning and experience is a central theme of Enlightenment thinking, which heavily influenced the development of sociology as a discipline. The other options (B, C, D) are not directly related to the origins of sociological thinking.

Question 3

In France,the Enlightenment was dominated by a group of thinkers referred to collectively as the philosophes.For the most part,these men were optimistic about the future,believing that human society could be improved through:

Accepted Answer

The philosophes believed in the power of reason and scientific discoveries to improve human society. They emphasized the importance of education, progress, and rational thinking. Religion and political leadership, while recognized as influential factors, were not seen as the primary means for societal improvement. Aristocracy, on the other hand, was often criticized as an outdated and oppressive system.

Question 4

__________ is the process by which societies are transformed from dependence on agriculture and handmade products to an emphasis on manufacturing and related industries.

Accepted Answer

Industrialization is the process through which societies shift from being primarily focused on agriculture and handmade goods to an emphasis on technology, manufacturing, and related industries. This transition usually involves changes in economic, social, and political structures, as well as the development of new technologies and industrial processes. Industrialization has been a major driver of economic growth and development in many countries around the world, and has contributed to significant improvements in living standards, healthcare, and education.

Question 5

According to Auguste Comte,societies contain __________,which are forces for conflict and change.

Accepted Answer

According to Auguste Comte, societies contain social dynamics, which are forces for conflict and change. Social dynamics refer to the processes that cause societies to change over time, including competition, innovation, and conflict between different groups with different interests and values. Social statics, on the other hand, refer to the underlying structures and institutions that provide stability and continuity within a society. Social functions and social choices are not concepts used by Comte in describing societal forces.

Question 6

A community that comes together to build a barn for one of its members after it has been destroyed by fire would be characteristic of a preindustrial society.Durkheim would conclude their members have:

Accepted Answer

Durkheim believed that shared moral beliefs and values were essential to maintaining social cohesion in preindustrial societies. The community coming together to rebuild the barn indicates a strong sense of solidarity and collective consciousness, which supports Durkheim's theory. Anomie, social disorganization, and cultural conflict all suggest a lack of shared values and social cohesion, which are not evident in this scenario.

Question 7

According to Auguste Comte,societies contain __________,which are forces for social order and stability.

Accepted Answer

According to Auguste Comte, societies contain social statics, which are forces for social order and stability. Social statics refer to the structures and institutions within a society that provide stability and continuity, such as traditions, customs, and moral values. Comte believed that these social statics were necessary for the proper functioning of society and that they served as a counterbalance to the disruptive forces of social change and development. Therefore, social statics are an important concept in Comte's theory of social evolution.

Question 8

The "founder of sociology" is:

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte is considered the founder of sociology. He coined the term "sociology" and believed that society could be studied scientifically, which laid the foundation for the discipline of sociology. While Marx, Weber, and Durkheim all made significant contributions to sociology, they came after Comte and built on his ideas.

Question 9

_____________ are patterned ways of acting,thinking,and feeling that exist outside any one individual but that exert social control over each person.

Accepted Answer

Social facts are those aspects of social life that exist outside of individuals but have a coercive power over them. They shape and constrain individuals' behavior, thoughts, and feelings, and are often seen as being independent of individual will or intention. Examples of social facts include norms, values, customs, laws, and institutions.

Question 10

French philosopher __________ is credited with having coined the term sociology to describe a new science that would engage in the study of society.

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte is credited with having coined the term sociology to describe a new science that would engage in the study of society.

Question 11

In Society in America,__________ examined religion,politics,child rearing,slavery,and immigration to the United States,paying special attention to social distinctions based on class,race,and gender.

Accepted Answer

Harriet Martineau was a sociologist and writer who traveled to the United States in the 1830s. Her book "Society in America" reflects her observations of American society at the time and she paid particular attention to social distinctions based on class, race, and gender. Martineau was also known for her advocacy of women's rights and abolition.

Question 12

In describing the law of the three stages,Auguste Comte believed that knowledge would reach the __________,where explanations were based on systematic observation,experimentation,comparison,and historical analysis; and industry became the prominent structural unit in society.

Accepted Answer

Comte believed that the third and final stage of human intellectual development would be the scientific stage, characterized by a focus on empirical observation, experimentation, and historical analysis. In this stage, industry would become the dominant structural unit of society, and explanations would be based on systematic observation and comparison.

Question 13

According to __________ Theory of General Evolution,society,like a biological organism,has various interdependent parts (such as the family,the economy,and the government) that work to ensure the stability and survival of the entire society.

Accepted Answer

Herbert Spencer's theory of Social Darwinism stated that society is like a biological organism with various interdependent parts that work together for the stability and survival of the society as a whole. He believed that societies evolved through a process of natural selection, with the strongest and most adaptable societies surviving and thriving, while weaker societies eventually died out.

Question 14

According to British social theorist __________,societies developed through a process of "struggle" (for existence) and "fitness" (for survival),which he referred to as the "survival of the fittest."

Accepted Answer

The idea of "survival of the fittest" is associated with British social theorist Herbert Spencer. He believed that societies evolved through a process of struggle and adaptation, and that those that were fitter for their environment would survive and thrive. This concept was later adapted and popularized by Charles Darwin in his theory of natural selection.

Question 15

__________ defines a condition in which social control becomes ineffective as a result of the loss of shared values and a sense of purpose in society.

Accepted Answer

Anomie is a concept developed by French sociologist Emile Durkheim that refers to a state of normlessness or confusion in society where individuals experience a sense of disconnect from the social norms and values that guide their behavior. This can occur as a result of rapid sociocultural change, economic and political upheaval, and other forms of social dislocation that lead to a breakdown of traditional social structures and practices. In such a context, social control becomes ineffective and people may become disoriented, alienated, and more likely to engage in deviant or criminal behavior.

Question 16

__________ is the belief that those species of animals,including human beings,best adapted to their environment survive and prosper,whereas those poorly adapted die out.

Accepted Answer

The belief described in the statement is known as Social Darwinism, which applies Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to social, political, and economic systems. It advocates that society should promote the growth and reproduction of the fittest individuals and races and weed out the weak ones. Eugenics, on the other hand, is a movement that aims to improve the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding and sterilization, whereas social statics and social facts are terms used in sociology to describe the study of social order and facts that can be observed and measured in society.

Question 17

In describing the law of the three stages,Auguste Comte believed that knowledge began in the _________,where explanations were based on religion and the supernatural,and kinship was the most prominent unit of society.

Accepted Answer

Comte believed that in the theological stage, explanations of the world were based on religion and the supernatural, and society was organized around kinship.

Question 18

A note left at the scene of a suicide expressed the victim's concern that he felt little sense of moral guidance.He indicated that he was uncertain about what was right or wrong in today's world.Using Emile Durkheim's theory,sociologists might conclude that the suicide victim was feeling:

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim's theory of anomie refers to a state of normlessness or confusion about moral norms and values in society. The suicide victim's expressed concern about a lack of moral guidance and uncertainty about right and wrong in today's world reflects a sense of anomie.

Question 19

__________ is the process by which an increasing proportion of a population lives in cities rather than in rural areas.

Accepted Answer

Urbanization is the process of increasing urban population and decreasing rural population. Suburbanization refers to the movement of people from cities to suburbs. Industrialization is the process of developing industries in a country or region. Future shock refers to the psychological distress that can occur when an individual experiences rapid changes in society.

Question 20

Although the women of that day were categorically excluded from much of public life in France,some women strongly influenced the philosophes and their thinking through their participation in the _________-an open house held to stimulate discussion and intellectual debate.

Accepted Answer

The open house held to stimulate discussion and intellectual debate mentioned in the sentence is commonly known as a salon. Therefore, the correct choice is C: salon.

Quiz 1: The Sociological Perspective