Historical Development of Sociology. “€” A knowledge of the development of sociology is
essential to a full comprehension of the subject. It is a history of the speculations touching
the origin and development of society, and of the steps in the process by which sociology
is becoming not only social philosophy, more or less closely applied to political
philosophy, but also a science with its own methods and norms, with its generalizations
based primarily upon a wide induction from social facts. In a brief sketch the ideas of the
principal contributors to the science may be reviewed, even though an analysis of all their
theories and systems of thought is not possible.Although the evolution of society has been
in progress since an early period, the development of sociology began at a comparatively
recent date. However, wherever society has developed so that there has been leisure for
thought, men have speculated about society. Hebrew prophet and Attic sage has each
contributed something to social theory, the one emphasizing the purpose of the state from
the standpoint of religious idealism, the other stressing the philosophical nature and
function of the state. Plans of association, of government, law, religion, or general social
order have been set forth by leaders in thought and action during the course of human
history. Many of the early suggestions were concrete plans for the practical regulation of a
particular social group or nation.- General theories were seldom advanced. Yet these
practical experiments were of service in developing a program of social action and
preparing the way for more general theories and systems. In the history of sociology there
will be found, then, three distinct classes of ideas, namely: (1) those arising from ideal
systems set forth by philosophers, (2) those arising from plans of practical social changes,
and (3) those coming from the scientists who have through investigation and logical
construction laid the foundations of a scientific sociology. These classes of ideas do not
necessarily follow each other but are more or less blended from age to age. It will be
possible to allude to only a few of the prominent epoch-making examples of each
class.Ancient Philosophers. The ancient philosophers who constructed elaborate theories
of government and social organization have had much influence in awakening thought on
the nature of society and forms of social order. In this particular connection, perhaps the
philosophy of Plato has been more extensive in its influence than any other idealistic
system. While the methods of social organization set forth in The Republic were never put
into practice, that book was the first great utopian scheme conceived by man and has
influenced modern thought in many ways.In quite a different way has the Politics of
Aristotle modified social thought. It was rather a scientific treatise on government than an
ideal system of social order. Discussing the philosophical foundations of social order it
could not fail to influence mens thoughts about social relations. As a critical analysis of the
bases of government it modified the thought of Western Europe from the time of its
introduction into the cur-rent of political discussion among the nations which slowly arose
from the ruins of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages. It was an original philosophy of
government based upon the best examples in history. Wherever read, it created
thoughtfulness as to the nature of society and the power and duty of government.Likewise,
Cicero in his philosophy of the State and Justinian in his Codex, from the Roman
standpoint gave a new direction to social philosophy. The Romans were intensely practical
in governmental affairs, and were so successful in creating law and establishing social
order, that the impress of their deeds upon subsequent philosophy was tremendous. Not
only was their theory of the law and their form of government followed closely by
succeeding generations, but their conception of society and social order have colored the
discussions of jurists, historians, and philosophers of medieval and modern times.
Especially to be noted is the Roman interpretation of property rights and systems of
administration which dominated the early states founded among Teutonic peoples.Among
the Teutonic peoples, before they were influenced by Roman law, there was comparatively
little constructive work. Their codes of laws were tribal customs and their social life very
simple, although Alfred may have devoted some thought to a plan for the better
government of his Saxons. The Roman law found in the Teutons and Celts a people
prepared both by their previous history and by the new problems raised by their recent
social development.Medieval Philosophers. “€” While early philosophers and practical
reformers sought to make a transition from the ethnic to the demographic society, those of
medieval times were crying out against the corruption of a system of government that was
established through the rise of kingship immediately following the dissolution of the
feudal system. The Roman idea of imperialism entered the Teutonic nations just as they
were emerging from the tribal into demotic society. On the decay of feudalism the Roman
idea of government, suggested both by the students of Roman law and by the example of
the Church, came into practical operation. The Christian Church had already by the fourth
century so thoroughly established its system of brotherhood and so completely adopted the
Roman idea of government in its organization that it became a formidable opponent to the
rapidly decaying Roman Empire. On the fall of the Western Empire in 476 A.D. the
