Introduction to Early Sociologists

The video explores the origins of sociology, focusing on six key authors not typically covered in high school curricula. It begins with Auguste Comte's positivism and the law of three stages, followed by Frédéric Le Play's method of participant observation. Herbert Spencer's analogy of society as an organism is discussed, along with Gabriel Tarde's concepts of repetition, opposition, and adaptation. Ferdinand Tönnies' ideas on essential and arbitrary will are examined, concluding with Georg Simmel's analysis of social forms and patterns.

What historical period does the video identify as the context for the emergence of sociology?

• The Renaissance

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Enlightenment

• The European crisis of the late 18th and early 19th centuries

Which term did Auguste Comte originally use to describe sociology?

• Positivism

• Metaphysical Science

• Social Dynamics

• Social Physics

According to Comte, what is the final stage in the law of three stages?

• Scientific

• Positive

• Metaphysical

• Theological

What did Frédéric Le Play consider as the core unit of society?

• The state

• The individual

• The family

• The community

Which method did Frédéric Le Play pioneer in social research?

• Statistical analysis

• Participant observation

• Experimental method

• Survey research

Herbert Spencer's theory compares society to what?

• A computer

• A network

• A biological organism

• A machine

According to Spencer, how does a society evolve from simple to complex?

• Through evolutionary processes

• Through technological advancement

• Through adaptation

• Through revolution

Gabriel Tarde's concept of 'repetition' in social interactions refers to what?

• Mental influence and imitation

• Social adaptation

• Conflict resolution

• Cultural innovation

Ferdinand Tönnies distinguished between which two types of will?

• Conscious and unconscious

• Essential and arbitrary

• Rational and irrational

• Collective and individual

Georg Simmel defined society as a unity expressed in what?

• Economic exchanges

• Political structures

• Reciprocal relationships

• Cultural norms