Social Science

The word "science" usually involves very precise theories that can be proven through lab work or through observation of processes based on scientific principles. That, however, is not the case where the social sciences are concerned, and, because of this, they tend to be a bit controversial in the world of academia. Social Science Courses in many schools, universities and colleges cover non-controversial topics, such as geography or politics, but many debate the concept of them as "sciences."

The value of Social Science Courses, however, is huge. This is because they cover nearly every area of human interaction throughout history, including economics and psychology, and are one of the best ways to understand the world around us. Consider how many schools (primary, secondary and college levels) teach social sciences - nearly every elementary school student learns about the globe and examines the maps of the world. This is geography and is a social science. Think about how many high school students examine the political evolution of many nations throughout history. This is political science, which is also a social science. Flipping through any college catalog will reveal dozens and dozens of social science courses, which proves their value to a well-rounded and comprehensive education.

Why are the social sciences challenged by some? The study of the subject matter is never challenged. There are no professors or teachers or education experts, who look at the social sciences and consider them insignificant, what is challenged however, is the use of the word science. There are scientists who conduct their experiments and track their results and look specifically for predictable events in order to say with authority that "this is a scientific principle because it has been proven through rigorous examination and results." Such a statement is not usually possible within the world of social sciences because things are far more "general."

Consider psychology - it is a social science, yet most professionals in the field understand it to be both a scientific study of human behavior and mental function while it is also a profession that involves interpretation and analysis of an individual that does not involve any sort of proven or demonstrated scientific principles. There are many academics who say that the use of interpretation cancels out any "science" in the equation, but most schools still recognize the subject area of social sciences and teach them in this way.

In fact, most college graduates are going to be obligated to at least sample a few Social Science Courses before they can graduate, and this is generally to ensure that their education is balanced between highly technical issues and the human sciences, which can often be unpredictable.