Introduction to Sociotrilogy
The Science of Society
It seeks to understand social life, human interaction, social structure and the principles that contribute to unity, harmony and conscious oneness.
Sociotrilogy is presented as the oldest and foundational social science. It encompasses all aspects of society, from the micro to the macro level, and is therefore regarded as the science of society and the mother of all social sciences.
Science is Knowledge
Science is concerned with knowledge and refers to a systematically organized body of knowledge.
Knowledge is acquired through systematic collection of data and the use of cognitive abilities to process and analyse those data. Scientific methods, including experimentation, are employed to verify facts and fulfil the central purpose of science: the attainment of knowledge.
Knowledge
Science develops systematically organized knowledge through observation and analysis.
Evidence
Scientific methods help verify facts and develop reliable understanding.
Understanding
The ultimate purpose of science is the attainment of knowledge.
Why Social Science is Less Exact
Social science is generally less exact and precise because human beings and societies may deviate from social norms and disregard the fundamental laws of society.
A physical scientist can conduct experiments according to established procedures, but reproducing comparable laboratory conditions in social investigation is difficult.
Human Behaviour
Human behaviour can vary according to circumstances and social environments.
Changing Society
Social structures continuously change over time.
Complexity
Society itself functions as a laboratory shaped by the complexity of the human mind.
The Necessity of Social Science
War, natural disasters, technological shifts, adaptation to crises, social reform and revolution are all drivers of change.
Social change is a constant and persistent reality. It may arise when imbalances develop within a previously maintained social structure.
Cause • Purpose • Effect
Within the source document, this principle is presented as a fundamental law of Yogic science through which existence undergoes corresponding phases of change.
The document explains that advances in physical science alone cannot ensure human happiness. Social science is equally important for human welfare because it enables humanity to understand and regulate human interaction.
Cause
The beginning or initiating dimension of a process.
Purpose
The purpose that gives direction to the process.
Effect
The resulting dimension that can lead to further change.
Sociotrilogy as a Social Science
Sociotrilogy is presented as the mother of the family of social sciences and as an ancient and foundational social science.
It studies the nature and characteristics of human society, including the fundamental principles of its formation, development, structure and function.
It analyses collective human life and examines the bonds of social unity, integrity and conscious oneness within society as a whole.
Social Structure
Formation, development, structure and function of society.
Interconnection
Interrelationships and interdependence across different spheres of social life.
Conscious Oneness
Unity, integrity and conscious oneness within living society.
Definition, Scope & Uses
Since the emergence of human beings, people have lived together and formed social groups known as societies across different regions and historical periods.
These common and persistent features of social life provided a foundation for Sociotrilogy.
The Science of Society
Sociotrilogy endeavors to study social life while encompassing all other social sciences within its scope.
Human Behaviour
It examines human behaviour, social structure, social function and the changes and progress of human life.
Cause, Purpose & Effect
The document connects causal explanation with cause, purpose and effect—the trilogy signified by OM (AUM).
Universal Scope
It investigates social, economic, political, legal, moral and other phenomena in relation to human life.
The Nature of Sociotrilogy
Sociotrilogy is described as an encompassing branch of social knowledge with universal characteristics.
Mother of Social Sciences
It embraces the branches of social science within its scope.
Social Science
It focuses on human beings, social behaviour, activities and collective life.
Normative Discipline
It addresses social values, norms, Dharma and questions of ethical order.
Pure & Applied
It seeks knowledge about society and applies that knowledge toward human welfare.
Universal Science
The document presents specialized social sciences as integral parts of Sociotrilogy.
Social Well-being
Its knowledge is directed toward understanding society and advancing human welfare.
Jnana Yogism & Karya Karana Yogism
Sociotrilogy recognizes two broad approaches to social-scientific knowledge: Jnana Yogism and Karya Karana Yogism.
Jnana Yogism
Jnana Yogism emphasizes conscious experience arising from observation and experimentation.
- Direct sensory experience
- Observation
- Experimentation
- Evidence and perception
- Acquisition of knowledge
Karya Karana Yogism
Karya Karana Yogism emphasizes reason, purpose and conclusions derived through logic.
- Reason
- Purpose
- Logic
- Cause and effect
- Theory building
The construction of knowledge requires both facts and theories. In Sociotrilogy, each is essential and the two complement one another.
Understanding Society Through Knowledge
Sociotrilogy brings together the study of human society, social structures, knowledge and the principles through which social life can be understood and interpreted.
Social Science
The term “social science” refers to the systematic study of human beings and society.
It applies the scientific method—including the Karya Karana Yogic method—to examine the intricate network of social systems, organizations and institutions that enables people to live together in cohesion, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Social science constitutes a body of knowledge acquired through the scientific study of the forms and contents of human interaction.
Human beings are social creatures who live in society and interact with one another in order to survive and coexist as social groups.