. Explain how sociology emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper. 20

Sociology emerged as a distinct discipline during the 19th century in response to the challenges of modernity. Various social, economic, and political changes during this period, such as the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, and the Enlightenment, led to questions about society and social order. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Enlightenment Era: The Enlightenment era, which emphasized reason and individualism, played a significant role in the emergence of sociology. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Voltaire promoted the use of reason to scrutinize previously unquestioned traditions and beliefs, paving the way for a scientific approach to studying society.

2. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution led to significant social and economic changes, including urbanization, a changing workforce, and new forms of political power. These changes led to new social problems, such as urban poverty, crime, and breakdown of communities, which required a systematic study of society.

3. Emergence of Positivism: Auguste Comte, often considered the "father of sociology," introduced the idea of positivism. This philosophy argued that the same scientific methods used in natural sciences could be applied to study social phenomena. This was a major step towards establishing sociology as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper.

4. Development of Sociological Theories: Early sociologists like Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber developed theories to understand the structure and functioning of society from different perspectives. Durkheim emphasized social facts, Marx focused on social conflict and economic factors, and Weber emphasized the role of ideas and individual actions. These theories further established sociology as a distinct discipline.

5. Institutionalization of Sociology: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sociology became institutionalized as an academic discipline. Universities started offering courses and degrees in sociology, and sociological research became more systematic and empirical.

In conclusion, sociology emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper in response to the social changes and intellectual developments of the 19th century. It was a systematic and scientific approach to understanding the social world and addressing social problems.