Philosophical Foundations and Ethical Consequences of Sociological Theories

Philosophical Foundations and Ethical Consequences of Sociological Theories


Kudrina S.A.

Cand. Sci. (Philos.), Head of the Department of Philosophy, P. G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia sofia-kudrina@mail.ru

ID of the Article: 10366

Rubric: Discussion. Polemics

For citation:

Kudrina S.A. Philosophical Foundations and Ethical Consequences of Sociological Theories. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. 2025. No 1. P. 137-142



Abstract

The ethical dimensions of sociology encompass both the principles of scientific ethos in the empirical domain and the examination of moral foundations underlying sociological theories. The philosophical underpinnings of sociological concepts significantly shape their ethical implications. A key outcome of sociologists’ rejection of metaphysical approaches (notably Christian traditions) in favor of scientific rigor and emphasis on the biological nature of humans and society has been a departure from the principle of equality in spiritual worth, leading to moral relativism and the potential endorsement of the superiority of certain individuals over others based on natural attributes. This raises a critical question: is it possible for sociology to develop independently of moral considerations? In conclusion, it is emphasized that sociology, while maintaining scientific objectivity, should remain a humanistically oriented discipline, fostering the protection of vulnerable social groups and promoting overall societal well-being.


Keywords
ethical aspect of sociological theories; philosophical foundations of sociology; scientific objectivity; Social Darwinism; moral assessments; solidarity; mutual aid; humanitarian aims of sociology; sociology and ethics

References

Arnoldi S. S. (1898) Tasks of Understanding the History. Moscow: Izd. M. Kovalevskogo. (In Russ.)

Berdyaev N. (2008) The Russian Idea. St. Petersburg: Azbuka- klassika. (In Russ.)

Critical Sociology of Care: Intersections of Social Inequality (2019) St. Petersburg: EU v SPb. (In Russ.)

Giddings F. H. (2007) Sociology as a Science of Human Society and Human Behavior. Sotsiologiya vlasti [Sociology of Power]. No. 6: 151–164. (In Russ.)

Grinshpoon I. B. (2021) The Ideas of Jacob Levy Moreno in the Context of the Development of Western European and North American Psychology of the 20th Century. Moscow: FSBEI HE MGPPU. (In Russ.)

Kareev N. I. (1922) P. L. Lavrov as a Sociologist. In: Lavrov P. L. Articles, Memories, Materials. St. Petersburg: Kolos: 193–248. (In Russ.)

Kozyrkov V. P. (2021) On the Humanistic Orientation of Sociology Development. Filosofskaya antropologiya [Philosophical Anthropology]. Vol. 7. No. 2: 120. (In Russ.)

Kropotkin P. A. (1922) Mutual Aid Among Animals and Humans as a Driver of Progress. Saint Petersburg, Moscow: Golos Truda. (In Russ.)

Makeeva T. V. (2024) Ethics of Care: Concept, Phenomenon, Scientific Discourse. Otechestvennyi zhurnal sotsialnoi raboty [Domestic Journal of Social Work]. No. 1 (96): 12–22. (In Russ.)

Mansurov V. A. (2022) “Sociologists Are Concerned About Society as a Whole in Their Country…” (Interview with V. A. Mansurov). Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. No. 8: 118–128. (In Russ.)

Moreno J. L. (2001) Sociometry, Experimental Method and The Science of Society. Moscow: Akadem. Proekt. (In Russ.)

Sorokin P. (1992) Sociology of Revolution. In: Sorokin P. Man. Civilization. Society. Moscow: Politizdat: 266– 294. (In Russ.)

Sorokin P. A. (2017) Sociology and Ethics. Nasledie [Heritage]. No. 2(11): 158–162. (In Russ.)

Spencer H. (1872) Social Statics. St. Petersburg: Izd. N. P. Polyakova. (In Russ.)

Taylor F. (1922) On the Art of Cutting Metals. Berlin: BINT. (In Russ.)

Weber M. (1990) Selected Works. Moscow: Progress. (In Russ.)

Content No 1, 2025