LIPUNAN

root word: lipon

The Spanish-derived word for ‘society’ is sosyedad.

Society is a construct of two principles: the ‘individual’ and the ‘collective’. The individual’s desires, needs, wants and dreams are paramount. This is evident in for example consumerism. People feel a desire to consume goods and services because it will make them happy; they want to look good so other people will admire them; they want power over their environment etc. There is nothing wrong with this per se, but it has led to some unthinkably bad situations.

This drives society to create the ‘collective’. The collective is a construct that ensures people are happy and fulfilled. It encompasses many areas of life: government, technology, art, science etc. When an individual’s needs clash with the desire of more than one person they are forced to compromise or adapt their desires so as not to upset the status quo.

This is not always a bad thing, but it can be. The collective strives to satisfy people’s needs and wants in a way that is most efficient for the greatest number of people. This may or may not be what individuals want. For example, there are many environmental protections because if we do not protect our environment then our species will cease to exist.

So when you look at society and evaluate it, what do you think is more important: the individual or the collective? And why?

KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG

lipúnan: malaking pangkat ng mga tao na may karaniwang set ng pag-uugali, ideya, at saloobin, namumuhay sa isang tiyak na teritoryo, at itinuturing ang mga sarili bílang isang yunit

Ano ang tunay na layunin ng lipunan?