Inquiry into the principles of collective living and governance.
Social and Political Philosophy is the branch of philosophy that examines the nature of social institutions, the justification of political authority, and the fundamental values of liberty, equality, and justice.
While often grouped together, they focus on different aspects of collective life:
| Social Philosophy | Political Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Focuses on Social Relations and non-political institutions (Family, Religion, Culture). | Focuses on Power, Law, Government, and Political Obligation. |
In philosophy, these terms have distinct meanings:
How we view the relationship between the person and the collective generally falls into two camps:
Argues that the individual is primary. Society is merely an aggregate of individuals who come together for their own benefit. Rights belong to the individual first.
Argues that the society or the state is like a living organism. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Individuals derive their identity and meaning only through their participation in the whole.