8 14 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



carded by tlie best-known sociologists of the present time. There is 

 a general tendency to adopt a broad definition of the province of soci- 

 ology, to include in the field of investigation all the phenomena of 

 social structure and growth. 



But what is the relation of this general social science to the special 

 social sciences — that is, the sciences dealing with special groups of 

 social phenomena, as economics, politics, and jurisprudence? Is so- 

 ciology anything more than a convenient collective name for the sum 

 of all these? Touching this point opinions differ.* 



At least three different conceptions of the relation of sociology 

 to the various special social sciences may be distinguished. Sociology 

 has been defined as (1) the " inclusive," as (2) the " co-ordinating," 

 and as (3) the " fundamental " science of society. 1. The first con- 

 ception is that of Spencer and De Greef. Spencer defines sociology 

 as "the science of society," and defends his adoption of the term 

 on the ground that " no other name sufficiently comprehensive ex- 

 isted." This implies that he conceives of sociology as an inclusive 

 science. De Greef, the Belgian sociologist, makes the science all 

 comprehensive ; his scheme of classification " includes everything, 

 from the husbanding of corn and wine to electioneering contests in 

 the Institute of France." f 2. The second conception is that of 

 Professor Small, of Chicago. He defines sociology as " the synthesis 

 of all the particular social sciences." It does not include, it co- 

 ordinates these sciences. It concerns itself with the relations which 

 the various special groups of social phenomena hold to each other 

 and to society as a whole, leaving to special social sciences the study 

 of each group in minute detail. The conclusions won by these 

 special sciences are taken by sociology and worked over into a body 

 of correlated social principles. Sociology is, therefore, subsequent 

 to the particular social sciences and dependent upon them. 3. The 

 third conception is that of Professor Giddings, of Columbia Uni- 

 versity. He defines sociology as " the science of social elements and 

 first principles." It is "not merely the sum of the social sciences; 

 it is rather their common basis." It undertakes to analyze the gen- 

 eral characteristics of social phenomena and to formulate the laws 

 of social organization and evolution. Sociology furnishes a body 

 of fundamental principles which make a common basis for the special 

 social sciences. The latter rest on sociology, w^hich is the antecedent 

 and fundamental social science. 



ISTow a little reflection wnll show that these three conceptions of 

 sociology do not conflict, but harmonize. There is no real opposition 



* See for the following : H. H. Powers. Terminology and the Sociological Conference, 

 in Annals of the American Academy, March, 1896. 

 f See Giddings. Principles of Sociology, p. 29. 



