Goals of Social

Philosophy
Reported by: Jane Irene R. Patlingrao
Social Philosophy is focused on man. It
aims to create him a better person, a
better society and a better world for a
better life. Man is the focus because of all
beings in the world only man has the
capacity to examine the world. His
intelligence and rationality provide him
tools to understand the cause of things
and happenings; and out of the same
capacity only man could redirect some
routes to fulfil his own design.
Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism is the attitude or
philosophy that holds man as the
center of reference in all reality. It
ascribes to the autonomous rule of
human in cognition. In philosophy,
anthropocentrism can refer to the
point of view that humans are the
only, or primary, holders of moral
standing.
According to Jurate Morkuniene in his
Social Philosophy of contemporary
thinking, “he (man) is the creator of his
own world and of himself; he resolved to
improve his situation and capacity to
perpetuate renewal of himself and of
changing, renovating and improving the
world. This is homocreator.” Man is the
center of reality, but again this
centeredness depends on how he
maintains it.
The super tasks of contemporary Social
Philosophy, Jurate went on is “ it becomes the
plan, the principle and prediction for action. This
entails the philosophical upbringing of society and
of individuals.” It is the task of the contemporary
philosophy to show the truth; it is not just finding
the truth. It demonstrates how this truth could
formulate both thinking and acting. He said that it
analyzes phenomena, then formulates principles
which could be used to evaluate social progress.
Moreover, It is the task of the contemporary Social
Philosophy to reveal the primary characteristics of
society in which the progress of each man would
be the goal.
Social Philosophy demonstrates
rightness and wrongness of societal
orders, systems and functions. To fully
understand these goals of Social
Philosophy and as preparations to
pursue study of human relations,
some considerations have to be
taken beforehand.
The Nature of Social Life
This is a fact that all members of a society
interrelates with each other. Anyone can
be independent on matters of material
possessions and in a way of acquiring
them. Whatever his social status, he is part
of society so that he is subject to the
society’s standard. Voluntarily or
involuntarily he is bound to adjust his way
to this societal standard.
Values Governing Society
The basic roles of these values to these
societal directions or ends are that, they
work as lubricant to make the societal
movements smooth and successful. Values
are the standard that governs everyone in
his act as a member of society.
Agent of Control
These are particular members of society or
individual granted with certain rights and
privileges to monitor and control societal
activities.
Obligation
This refers to the duty of the state towards its
members of society at the same time the
duty of the people towards the state. Like
everyone in society, the state also demands
and aspires for justice.