THE PROBLEMS OF SOCIOLOGY 823 



of sociology. Only by means of a system of politics which has a 

 firm hold upon the fundamental tendencies of social development -, 

 and which recognizes the needs of society, is it possible to reach the 

 civilization of mankind, that is, a condition in which the common 

 weal controls. 



Next to the biological and the political problem 'in significance 

 stands (10) the problem of positive ethics. It may be expressed in 

 the question: To what extent is the prosperity of races, nations, 

 states, and societies dependent upon their morality? We know 

 that the current anthropological conception credits morality with 

 no significance in the destiny of peoples. This ia because, from 

 lack of a comprehensive sociological insight, it is not recognized 

 that "good" and "bad" are in closest connection with the pro- 

 sperity of the species. 



Tributary to the solution of this question is (11) the problem 

 of the morals and the education of men; which may be divided into 

 the problem of the school, of the family, of the relation of the sexes 

 to each other and in society. Let me merely observe in passing 

 that the question of woman's rights is passing through a phase 

 which an age sociologically mature will look upon as the most in- 

 comprehensible confusion of humanity. 



I will further merely suggest that these problems inevitably 

 raise (12) the religious problem, respecting the philosophical truth 

 of the religious need of mankind, of the ethical and ideal value of 

 religion in general. 



Following these chief problems there arises (13) the civic pro- 

 blem. This is the question as to the political divisions of mankind 

 and of their territories. With this problem the question as to 

 the sociological idea of the state will be answered. In accordance 

 therewith the practical fulfillment of all the scientific syntheses of 

 sociology is to be found in the state as the organization of power. 

 Among these syntheses belong also the theories as to the relations 

 of the state and of its citizens to society, and to humanity, be- 

 cause the latter make use of the state in order to make progress 

 in satisfying their developing interests. 



We see therefore that sociology discovers the principle that 

 governs all social affairs. To solve in principle all social problems 

 is its task. Sociology can do this because it takes account of the 

 relationships in which these problems appear in their essential 

 connection with all existence. Sociology sets bounds to the arro- 

 gant narrowness of unlimited specialization. Sociology attempts 

 to secure for the common weal the application of the tremendous 

 results that have been reached by the special positive sciences. 



The problems of sociology are thus also the problems of civiliz- 

 ation, of humanity. 



