Sociology
the science of the evolution and constitution of human society. It has for its subject the origin, organization, and development of human society and culture, especially on the side of social and political institutions. Sociology embraces all social phenomena under their statical and dynamical aspects. It is the study of the conditions of existence and permanence of the social state; social dynamics studies the laws which govern the evolution of society. The field of SOCOTRA ANTHROPOLOGY (q. v.) is usually restricted to the discussion of the earlier stages of social development and survivals from that stage into the present. It is claimed for Comte that he created the science of sociology, but according to Mill he only rendered such a science possible. Lewes points out that Macchiavelli, Montesquieu, Adam Smith, and Benthan had a full conviction that social phenomena conformed to invariable laws, but that it was reserved for Comte to bring them under his "law of the three stages, and to show that all societies pass through a theological, a metaphysical, and a positive stage.
In Great Britain the name of sociology has been given to the study of all that relates to the social improvement of the community. A society called "The National Association for the Promotion of Social Science" was organized at a meeting held under Lord Brougham's auspices in July, 1857, to consider the best means of uniting together all those interested in social improvement; and till 1884 held annual congresses in large towns throughout the United Kingdom. THE AMERICAN SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION is similar to the British; it dates from 1866. See SOCIAL SCIENCE.