Who said that man is a social animal?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

The statement 'man is a social animal' is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
In his work 'Politics', Aristotle argued that the inherent nature of humans is to live in a society or a 'polis' (city-state).
He believed that anyone who lives outside of a community, by choice or by nature, is either a beast or a god, but not fully human.
This concept emphasizes that social interaction and community life are essential for human development, happiness, and fulfillment.

Option A: Robert MacIver was a 20th-century sociologist known for his work on social structures and his definition of society as a 'web of social relationships'. He did not originate the 'social animal' concept.
Option B: Auguste Comte, a 19th-century French philosopher, is credited with coining the term 'sociology' and is considered its founder. His work focused on positivism, not the 'social animal' phrase.
Option D: Morris Ginsberg was a British sociologist who made significant contributions to the study of social structure and change. His work is much later than the classical origins of the phrase in question.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of the originator of the philosophical concept that humans are inherently social beings as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that humans are social beings is fundamental to holistic nursing care. A patient's social network (family, friends) is a vital resource for recovery.
Nurses must assess for social isolation, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly or chronically ill, as it is a major risk factor for depression and poor health outcomes.
What if? A patient is admitted with no listed emergency contacts and receives no visitors. Recognizing the health risks of social isolation, a nurse should initiate a social work consult to connect the patient with community resources and support systems, thereby promoting better recovery outcomes.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the history of philosophy and sociology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'man is a social animal'.
Recognize this as a famous classical statement.
Evaluate the options provided. Aristotle is an ancient Greek philosopher, whereas MacIver, Comte, and Ginsberg are more modern sociologists.
Connect the ancient, foundational concept to the classical philosopher, Aristotle.
Confirm by recalling that the other figures are known for different, more specific contributions to the field of sociology.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of the originator of the philosophical concept that humans are inherently social beings.
Stem keywords: man, social animal
Lead-in keywords: Who said
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 48-50, 34-36

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