822 SOCIAL STRUCTURE 



logical and physiological conditions of race-development than to 

 the economic and ethical conditions. We can 110 longer disregard 

 the fact that hereditary tendency to disease has a very consider- 

 able part in the misery of the masses. The traditional views of 

 legal philosophy upon the relation of human traits to the moral 

 and social norms are in need of radical revision. The perception 

 that human conduct is only the consequence of the more or less 

 healthy bodily condition of men seems entirely incongruous with 

 our existing systems of penal law; while, on the other hand, in 

 consequence of the increase of population and the crowding of 

 habitable regions, with the consequent increasing complication 

 of all legal relationships, there is need of energetic protection for 

 society against the excesses of the socially unfit. 



This whole range of thought presents (8) the eighth problem, 

 namely: In what ratio should the political principles freedom and 

 authority share in the work of civilization; and in what ratio the 

 political systems centralization and autonomy? All that has been 

 discovered in this connection up to the present time scarcely rises 

 above the level of mere political gossip. There seems to be constantly 

 increasing justification for the doubts which are expressed about 

 the value of the political principles of the eighteenth and nine- 

 teenth centuries. Social evolution presses more and more toward 

 an organizing order, if it is to be possible to lead the majority of 

 men into satisfying conditions. It is certain that the individualiz- 

 ing freedom of the present time produces only a diminishing minor- 

 ity, and that it does not bring satisfaction even to these. 



In closest connection with the race-question stands (9) the pro- 

 blem of war and peace. The short-sightedness of those enthusiasts 

 is more and more evident who regard perpetual peace as possible, 

 because they see in war merely the caprice of the mighty of this 

 world. In fact, it is more and more evident that wars are the con- 

 sequence of social development; that is, (a) of the increase of popu- 

 lation in reaction upon the life-conditions, and (6) of racial anti- 

 theses. Profound insight into the nature of politics shows that it 

 would be much more profitable for society if we should treat this 

 question without attempting to damn war off-hand, but if we 

 should try to remove the causes of war. 



The solution of the two problems last mentioned will, however, 

 be possible only when the whole realm of politics is raised from 

 its present sphere of dilettantism, of diplomatic intrigue, or of 

 personal interest, to a scientific discipline upon the basis of socio- 

 logical intelligence. It is no longer in character that science should 

 ignore the most human conspicuous activities, through which all the 

 weal and woe of society is set in motion. The theory of politics, as 

 the dynamics of the social forces, demonstrates the practical value 



