Experiments in the Solution of the Labor 



Problem. 



BV F. W. BLACKMAR. 



Experiments in the manipnlation of social forces are much more 

 difficult than those in other branches of science where the material 

 to be dealt with may be brought immediately into subordination to 

 the will of the experimenter. In the former case the experimenter 

 has to contend with the vagaries of human nature and the potency 

 of individual will force. He must first take societ}' as it is, inves- 

 tigate the conditions under which it operates, examine the forces 

 that create and propel it forward, and determine the moment and 

 direction of each. The question is rendered even more difficult, 

 on account of the fact that the instant he considers any given force, 

 a score of resultant and deflective forces interfere with analysis and 

 application. But the real problem in social dynamics is made more 

 apparent as the experimenter becomes a reformer and attempts to 

 direct the social forces toward a certain end. It is the herculean 

 task of the reformer to determine the nature and direction of social 

 forces and impel them in the line of actual progress. As one sur- 

 veys the evolution of societ}-, it is marvelous to observe how little 

 has been accomplished in the attempt to force social life into 

 especial channels and how much has been determined by the spon- 

 taneous activities of human nature. But it yields wholesome les- 

 sons to the person who by his own will says he will change the 

 trend of society or build upon the old foundation a new structure 

 which will permanently change the relations of men. He will at 

 least be convinced of the persistency of the social forces that have 

 been developing through the progressive stages of man's existence. 



The social problem of the day is the creation of the largest pos- 

 sible amount of general well-being of the entire number of individ- 

 uals which compose the social organism. This involves many 

 questions. It includes not only the litilit}- of existing forces but 

 it includes the utility and the happiness of each individual. As the 

 progress of social life is measured onl}^ through a long period of 

 time, the "greatest good to the greatest number " may include 

 those of future generations. Consequently it is difficult for the 



(15) KAN. UNIV. yr.\R.. VOL. IV. NO. I. .iri.v 1, 18'.)5. 



