Topic > Hutchinson's Four Types of Social Theory

The four types of social theory on the first day of class include categorical imperative theory, explanatory theory, interpretive theory, and critical theory. Every theory is an analysis of a set of facts in their relation to each other. Every single theory we discussed in class was about theories of the good, the true, and the beautiful. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Immanuel Kant developed the theory of the categorical imperative. This theory is about what we call the “Golden Rule,” which means the saying “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” They are the rules we follow in this society, which are not written in stone, but are the universal law. Kant's theory goes with the Good. Good is about ethics and morality. It tells us how we should act and how we actually do it. It touches on the foundations of normative theory. Normative theory studies ethics. Ethics is the moral branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles and governs a person's behavior. Morality is the actual difference of intentions, decisions and actions organized and labeled as correct and improper in society. For example, we were taught that not spitting on others is labeled as improper in society; we know it's morally wrong, but others end up taking this action anyway. Karl Marx developed what we call critical theory. Critical theory is the criticism of society and culture using the humanities and social sciences. This social theory offers an orientation towards criticizing and changing society all together. Marx's critical theory combines the good and the beautiful. Beauty involves the theories of Aesthetics. Aesthetics examines the nature of art, music, beauty, and taste. This is where interpretation comes into play. The interp People have different opinions and judgments about what is beautiful and ugly. You may think that classical music is best, but others may disagree with you. There is no specific measurement to define what music is better or what is classified as good and bad. Marx argued that in society the use of creative, free and productive labor is the main foundation for our society to work together for good. The EnlightenmentThe Enlightenment movement began around the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the age of secular thought, reasoning, nature and humanity. The reform movement was for religious thought. In the Middle Ages and Middle Ages, the church existed in Europe, run by the priest. The priest and the monks were the only ones who had direct contact with God. As a regular member of the Catholic Church, you would confess your sins to the priest instead of having that direct relationship with God. The monk and the priest were the only ones who could read the Bible in church. The Renaissance rediscovered the classical culture we know now. The art we have learned to love, classical music and food. The Enlightenment produced secular theories that also include ethics and psychological sciences. The Enlightenment was treated as a blank slate, with creativity, the new free and bold society. John Locke was the individual who called all of this a tabula rasa. “Have the courage to use your intelligence” (page 50) is how Immanuel Kant begins to explain what the Enlightenment is. He believes that guardianship has come about through laziness and cowardice in our society. He used the word coward to represent how humanity did not want to venture out and try new ideas. I just dealt with immaturity (lack of courage on the man's part). He used the analogy that humanity is like “domestic livestock.” What he meant.