Why is it stated that “Man is a spiritual being”?

1. Intellectual Roots:

   • Enlightenment Thinkers (17th–18th centuries): Philosophers like Auguste Comte, considered the father of sociology, were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and others. Enlightenment ideals emphasized reason, logic, and the belief in progress, encouraging a scientific approach to understanding the world.

2. Industrial Revolution:

   • The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the Industrial Revolution, bringing about significant economic and social changes. Urbanization, the rise of factories, and the shift from agrarian economies to industrial ones led to new social structures and challenges, prompting scholars to study the impact of these changes on society.

3. French Revolution:

   • The French Revolution (1789–1799) played a crucial role in shaping sociological thought. It brought attention to issues of social inequality, political structures, and the need for a more just and equitable society. Sociologists like Comte were motivated to study and understand the principles of social order.

4. Auguste Comte and Positivism:

   • Auguste Comte, a French philosopher, is often credited with coining the term "sociology" and establishing it as a distinct discipline. Comte advocated for the use of scientific methods to study society, applying the positivist approach that had proven successful in the natural sciences.

5. Herbert Spencer and Evolutionary Theory:

   • Herbert Spencer, a British sociologist, applied Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to the study of society. He believed in the evolution of societies from simple to complex forms and coined the term "social Darwinism."

6. Emile Durkheim and Functionalism:

   • Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, focused on the functional aspects of society. He emphasized the importance of social order and solidarity and explored the role of institutions in maintaining stability. Durkheim's work laid the foundation for functionalist theory.

7. Karl Marx and Conflict Theory:

   • Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist, analyzed society through the lens of class struggle. His critical perspective on capitalism and its inherent conflicts between social classes laid the groundwork for conflict theory, which examines power imbalances in society.

8. Max Weber and Verstehen:

   • Max Weber, a German sociologist, stressed the importance of understanding social actions and meanings from the perspective of those involved. He introduced the concept of "Verstehen," or empathetic understanding, contributing to the development of interpretive sociology.

The origin of sociology is thus intricately tied to the intellectual and social transformations of the 18th and 19th centuries, with key figures laying the theoretical foundations for the systematic study of society. Over time, sociology has evolved, incorporating various perspectives and methodologies to address the complexities of human social behavior and institutions.