The Social Construction Of What? by Ian Hacking
- 1. In 'The Social Construction of What?', Ian Hacking delves into the intricate dynamics between social constructs and the scientific understanding of reality, exploring the multifaceted nature of what constitutes a 'social construction'. Hacking meticulously examines various examples, such as mental illness, gender, and race, dissecting how these concepts are shaped by historical, cultural, and political contexts. He compellingly argues that the act of labeling and categorizing phenomena influences not only our understanding but also the lived experiences of individuals affected by these labels. The book challenges readers to consider the implications of social constructions on personal identity and societal norms, prompting a critical examination of how we differentiate between what is socially constructed and what is perceived as 'natural'. Hacking's work encourages a reflective discourse on the role of science and philosophy in shaping societal beliefs and urges a reconsideration of the boundaries between knowledge, power, and social reality.
What is the primary subject of Ian Hacking's book 'The Social Construction of What?'?
A) The physics of quantum mechanics
B) The history of architecture
C) The biology of human development
D) The concept and critique of social constructionism
- 2. According to Hacking, what do social constructionists typically argue about categories?
A) They are contingent products of social processes
B) They are mathematically proven
C) They are biologically determined
D) They are universally fixed
- 3. What does Hacking mean by 'interactive kinds'?
A) Mathematical equations that interact
B) Categories that people can become aware of and change
C) Chemical elements that react with each other
D) Animals that interact in ecosystems
- 4. In Hacking's view, what distinguishes natural kinds from human kinds?
A) Human kinds are immutable
B) Natural kinds change with social norms
C) Human kinds interact with their classifications
D) Natural kinds are more complex
- 5. What does Hacking mean by 'making up people'?
A) Biological reproduction processes
B) Psychological manipulation techniques
C) Creating fictional characters in literature
D) How new classifications create new ways to be a person
- 6. Which philosopher's work does Hacking frequently engage with regarding social construction?
A) René Descartes
B) John Locke
C) Michel Foucault
D) Immanuel Kant
- 7. How does Hacking view the relationship between social construction and political action?
A) Social construction claims often have political implications
B) They are completely separate domains
C) Constructionism has no political relevance
D) Political action determines all construction
- 8. What does Hacking mean by 'indifferent kinds'?
A) Biological species that don't evolve
B) People who don't care about social issues
C) Categories that don't interact with their classification
D) Mathematical objects
- 9. What is Hacking's academic background that informs his approach?
A) Clinical psychology
B) Philosophy of science and history of ideas
C) Pure mathematics
D) Molecular biology
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