Philosophy Religion And Social Ethicsph 338this The Welcome Video ✓ Solved

What do we learn in this course? In this course we shall talk about how our social reality is constructed. By society we mean 'institutions' like government, law, marriage, and money. The reality of such social institutions are dependent on the reality of basic facts. The basic facts are not dependent for their existence on us. we experience them directly. But institutional facts are dependent on basic facts. Our ability to analyze and understand society itself was considerably aided by the work of Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Quine, Carnap, Strawson, and Austin who were the individuals involved in constructing what is known as the Philosophy of Language. We shall rely on the methods of study which philosophy of language developed to understand what the philosophy of society talks about.

To be a human beings is distinguished from being other animals, on the basis that human specious is able to use a language to express what is on their minds. Language is an institution but it is not just an institution but the primary one. Human beings and they are able to live in institutions of society which they have themselves instructed. To inhabit these institutions the human beings will have the ability to speak a language. The rudimentary details of how this has taken place is what this course will attempt to explain.

How is the course taught? In the course I shall first introduce the ideas that are necessary to imagine how reality, especially social reality is constructed by us. I shall introduce six such notions. They are, 1. status functions, 2. collective intentionality, 3. deontic powers, 4. desire-independent reasons for action, 5. constitutive rules, 6. institutional facts.

After we lean what these fundamental ideas are, we shall apply them to see how social reality functions in our lives. I shall take atomic theory of matter in physics and evolutionary theory of life in biology as my guidelines of how to develop our view of society.

What are the main requirements to complete the course? Before I state these requirements here are some directions in answering the questions. Each of these questions was formulated with great care for you to answer. We have learned as children that promises are to be kept, and lying and stealing is bad, and that no harm should be inflicted upon living creatures. But what we have learned are not explained to us. As children we don't really know why truth should be told. We think that it is because our parents require this.

But as adults we know that truth telling is required by living in society because it secures one's trustworthiness. Why this is so is something as an adult we come to understand. So think carefully when you answer these questions. Read the book, get a good idea of what is discussed, put your own views in non-technical words as far as possible, compose your answers to the point of what is asked, and write for informing rather than making impressions.

This course explains what institutions are and why they were constructed by us and how it serves our purposes, and how sometimes it is corrupted by some of us, we cannot as a group function without some institutions. We constantly try to make the institutions better.

The assignments and requirements for this class fall into five categories. Essays are based on Making the Human World: Structure of Human Civilization. John R. Searle, Oxford University Press. The essays here should be written in non-technical, straightforward, ordinary language. They should be approximately a 1000 words, without errors that might impede their understanding as a reader. If you use a technical term please immediately say how the term is to be understood.

Paper For Above Instructions

The interplay between philosophy, religion, and social ethics reveals significant insights about humanity and its intricate social systems. Adopting John R. Searle's framework from "Making the Human World," this analysis explores foundational concepts: status functions, collective intentionality, deontic powers, and more, to articulate how social reality is constructed and navigated.

Understanding Social Reality

At its core, sociology analyzes social reality, resembling how physics discusses atoms or biology examines cells. Sociology discusses concepts such as status functions, which denote roles that individuals occupy based on societal structures. Similar to how atoms form molecules, individuals contribute to constructing societal institutions (Searle, 2010).

The Role of Language

Language plays a foundational role in this construction. It is the primary institution through which humans navigate and express their realities. Just as humans differentiate between various elements in sciences, linguistic expressions help delineate thoughts and intentions within societies (Austin, 1962). Understanding how phonology, syntax, and semantics interconnect provides greater insight into how communication shapes social structures.

Intentionality and Social Cohesion

Intentionality refers to the ability of individuals to form objectives and aspirations. In defining consciousness, we differentiate it from mere actions (Brentano, 1995). The general structure of intentionality encompasses subjective experiences directed towards objects or outcomes. Collective intentionality, contrasted with individualistic notions, enhances our understanding of how unified thoughts among groups prompt coordinated actions (Tomasello, 2014).

Constructing Institutions

Institutions, as critical components of society, arise from collective agreement and shared recognition. For instance, a simple wall transforms into a boundary through communal acknowledgment (Searle, 2010). This transformation is contingent upon collective intentionality, which shapes how individuals view and utilize specific elements of their environment. Hence, actions like speech not only convey information but shape reality itself (Searle, 1969).

Deontic Powers and Responsibilities

Deontic powers, or the capacity to enforce obligations, are paramount within societal structures. These powers grant rights and responsibilities, linking them directly to individual agency (Hart, 1994). Every right entails a corresponding obligation, establishing an essential framework for ethical interactions. Understanding how these obligations manifest and influence behavior is crucial for grasping core ethical principles in society.

Rights and Social Contracts

The discussion on rights often evokes the relationship between individual liberties and societal constraints. Rights define entitlements within a society—whether they be positive (entitling action) or negative (entitling freedom from interference) (Dworkin, 1977). Exploring the philosophical underpinnings of rights aids our understanding of social ethics and the constructs that uphold them.

Power Dynamics

Power, particularly political power, manifests through social institutions and influences the distribution of resources, generating a significant field of study within social ethics. The concept of biopower, as theorized by Foucault, examines how power influences societal norms and individual behaviors (Foucault, 1980). Recognizing the pathways of power within societies entails evaluating how they shape collective and individual destinies.

Conclusion

Philosophy, religion, and social ethics converge at the crossroads of understanding human interactions and societal constructs. By analyzing social reality through Searle's lens, we create a coherent narrative of how institutions emerge and evolve. In addressing the fundamental questions of status functions, intentionality, and the web of rights and obligations, we foster a holistic comprehension of human civilization and its ongoing dynamic interplay.

References

• Austin, J. L. (1962). How to Do Things with Words. Oxford University Press.
• Brentano, F. (1995). Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint. Routledge.
• Dworkin, R. (1977). Taking Rights Seriously. Harvard University Press.
• Foucault, M. (1980). The History of Sexuality, Volume 1: An Introduction. Random House.
• Hart, H. L. A. (1994). The Concept of Law. Clarendon Press.
• Searle, J. R. (1969). Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language. Cambridge University Press.
• Searle, J. R. (2010). Making the Human World: Structure of Human Civilization. Oxford University Press.
• Strawson, P. F. (1959). Individuals: An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics. Methuen.
• Tomasello, M. (2014). A Natural History of Human Thinking. Harvard University Press.
• Wittgenstein, L. (1953). Philosophical Investigations. Blackwell Publishing.