The Organic Society


Book Description

The modern society is determined by a rational economic system, based on the individualistic behavior of man, which determines and models social institutions where the elements associated to equality and solidarity are not properly incorporated into the economic systems. We deem it necessary to explore other dimensions of human reality other than rationality in order to accomplish our true purpose: the implementation of a type of organization where collaboration, solidarity, and caring for others shape organizational and social systems. To this end, we must start by reviewing which factors affect human behavior so that a harmonious human social system may be created. Humans cannot be represented only as rational beings in order to deal properly with motivational factors in organizational and social systems. Factors other than reason should be included in the sources of motivation of people, like heart, consciousness, and intuition. A different type of organization should be based on a different paradigm in order to replace modern organizations. The search for this new paradigm may be provided by natural systems. A different organizational model can be created based on the organic paradigm in order to build an alternative organizational structure. The term organic will denote an organizational net structure, which can be modeled as an organic system with properties specific to organic beings, such as adaptation, integration, collaboration, equilibrium, and flexibility. The organic structure is a powerful tool for modeling social, organizational, and natural structures. The organic organization should be based on a higher principle: the law of love. Man should be able to dream and work for the establishment of more harmonious organizational and social systems, by the adoption of this powerful metaphor, to create fairer, more cooperative, and more harmonious social and organizational realities. This may lead to the establishment of the organic society by means of incorporating the organic paradigm into social and organizational institutions. The law of love and the creation of the organic society show what can be done at both organizational and social levels to design a social order where the separateness can be finally overcome. The organic paradigm is a powerful tool to stimulate mans integration to both society and nature, potentially more powerful than the existing individualistic and rational paradigms.










The Division of Labor in Society


Book Description

mile Durkheim is often referred to as the father of sociology. Along with Karl Marx and Max Weber he was a principal architect of modern social science and whose contribution helped established it as an academic discipline. "The Division of Labor in Society," published in 1893, was his first major contribution to the field and arguably one his most important. In this work Durkheim discusses the construction of social order in modern societies, which he argues arises out of two essential forms of solidarity, mechanical and organic. Durkheim further examines how this social order has changed over time from more primitive societies to advanced industrial ones. Unlike Marx, Durkheim does not argue that class conflict is inherent to the modern Capitalistic society. The division of labor is an essential component to the practice of the modern capitalistic system due to the increased economic efficiency that can arise out of specialization; however Durkheim acknowledges that increased specialization does not serve all interests equally well. This important and foundational work is a must read for all students of sociology and economic philosophy.







Key Concepts in Classical Social Theory


Book Description

This book's individual entries introduce, explain and contextualise the key topics within classical social theory. Definitions, summaries and key words are developed throughout with careful cross-referencing allowing students to move effortlessly between core ideas and themes. Each entry provides: ' Clear definitions ' Lucid accounts of key issues ' Up-to-date suggestions for further reading ' Informative cross-referencing Relevant, focused and accessible this book will provide students with an...




A Critical Account of Durkheim's Concept of Organic Solidarity


Book Description

Essay from the year 2011 in the subject Sociology - Classics and Theoretical Directions, grade: Distinction, London School of Economics, language: English, abstract: Durkheim followed one central question during his writings, namely the search for the "bonds which unite men one with another" (Durkheim, 1888: 257). Especially Durkheim's early works are concerned in this respect with the forms of 'solidarit ' that are specific for pre-industrial or lower societies in contrast to the ongoing industrialised or organised kind of community. In the 'Division of Labour', Durkheim arrives at a rather pessimistic account of modern, industrial society: although under 'normal circumstances' the division of labour leads to a harmonious society bound together by solidarity, our current form of industrial organisation is in an "appaling crisis" (ibd.: 339) composed of "organs that still clash discordantly together" (ibd.: 340). It is this account Durkheim gives of solidarity in the modern society that can be criticised substantially. The following essay will therefore consist of an analysis of his line of thought that leads him from early societies bound together by what he calls 'mechanical solidarity' based on similarities, to the notion of 'organic solidarity' in the 'contractual society'. Especially his optimistic, evolutionary account of the development of solidarity, his use of empirical data and finally his idealised notion of society are possible points of doubt as will be shown. The concluding remarks will lift Durkheim's analysis from the early 20th Century to a contemporary account trying to extend it with Foucault's 'penal society'.







Nature in Process


Book Description

The shift to organic modes of thought undergirding Whitehead's "philosophy of organism" continues to blossom fresh possibilities for rethinking the world of nature, the place of human beings, and our current ecological precarity. This shift is being felt across disciplines, from philosophy to economics, society, and religion, as scholars are making new connections, challenging older contentions, and working together to realize an ecological civilization. The contributions to this volume exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of this quest. Written by scholars from around the world, these proposals reconceive our understanding of philosophy, society and religion in an organic universe.