To what extent has both the function, ideological premises and structures of society changed over the millennium and across different civilisations? is there a single view of the purpose of society for the 21st century?
society exists to enable the survival of us homo sapiens. In groups we can achieve so much more than living alone. However, in order to diminish or avoid conflict, there need to be norms and values so that life is more satisfactory. Therefore there are rules or laws or both to adhere to. As we become more technologically and bureaucratically advanced, the number of rules increases making social groups more complex. Change happens due to increases in one way or another of various conditions. The biggest change ever is arguably the introduction of compulsory education in the late 19th century. This has changed life profoundly for everyone. This is true of all civilisations that introduce comprehensive and universal education. However, the overall reason for our society existing remains the survival of the human race. This is unchanging. However, there are fringe benefits to improved conditions and they include happier existences both emotionally through improved relationships and in terms of self development. More affluence also leads to improved living conditions and greater levels of contentment than in previous centuries. That does not preclude the existence of conflict and suffering, only that there is less of it than in the past.
An interesting question, Stuart B Jennings. Just a few thoughts. From my social-philosophical perspective working with applied negative dialectics toward a quantum social theory, I would say that society cannot have a purpose. Yet it may be purposeful.
In my perspective, society is in a constant pre-ontic state of emergence, never an ontological thing that can be attributed with a purpose, yet elements (individuals, groups and other collectives) can be purposeful. Society is always becoming, but never is.
I accept Valerie Saunders' view of survival, from the basis that the individual's need to survive is facilitated, in a purposeful way, through pooling abilities and resources.
Left alone, a quanta of individuals all struggling to survive will tend to entropic decay. A system of negentropic constraints (Valerie's "rules and laws") which may be attributed to a defined Society, provides a purposeful channelling of the energy of individuals, so that it has value to that Society.
Speaking as a blunt, no-nonsense, non-religious, and scientific scholar:
In my research, sadly, the structural shifts and purpose of society have changed over years, but only superficially. Both are closely monitored to continue advancing in the same trajectory. The foundation of such always has been and always will be one composed of naivity, and dark spirituality, (i.e. until the world takes note of its surroundings and ongoings).
As I state across media interviews for years, this topic is deeply entangled; it is diabolically beautiful in its massive interconnectedness.
Feel free to contact and discuss via a call, as via messages would take hours.
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