PREFACE. 



Sociology : a new word for a new generation : the name of a 

 new science the science of social evolution. To Auguste Comte 

 we owe the name, and some pregnant suggestions as to the char- 

 acter of the new science. To Herbert Spencer, more than to any 

 other thinker, Ave owe the formulation of its laws, and the collec- 

 tion and classification of the facts on which they are based. A 

 growing multitude of other writers, however, have ably contrib- 

 uted to the numerous departments of sociological research, bring- 

 ing to this new field of study a wealth of patience in scientific 

 investigation, and thoughtful consideration for social phenomena. 



Sociology is a science yet in the making. It is not an exact 

 science, like miathematics. It formulates no dogmas. It lecog- 

 nizes the relativity of societary forms, customs and institutions. 

 It has no authoritative priesthood. It presents no panaceas for 

 the reformation of social ills. It clearly indicates, however, the 

 natural trend of societary evolution, and thus affords wise sug- 

 gestions for our guidance in practical affairs. Its word is one of 

 salutary caution rather than of definite and formal instruction 

 concerning the duties of the hour. 



Sociology is based on Evolution. The present interest in its 

 problems, and their supreme importance to human well-being, 

 rendered it the natural topic for the consideration of the Brook- 

 lyn Ethical Association, following the general discussion of the 

 doctrine of Evolution in the previous volume of these lectures. 

 Sociology recognizes that the method of Nature in society is 

 identical with its method in the development of suns and plan- 

 etary systems, of vegetal and animal life, and of the body 

 and mind of individual man. This method is the method 

 of natural growth as contra-distinguished from supernatural 

 creation or artificial manufacture. It involves that element 

 of spontaneity which is inherent in all processes of organic 

 growth, and which in the mind of man appears under the form 

 of self-conscious freedom. Societary growth is regular, orderly, in 

 accordance with its own inherent laws: but these laws are not 

 mechanically imposed conditions. They are the spontaneous 

 expressions of progressive tendencies resident in society itself, or 

 in the individuals of which it is composed, the operation of 



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