Theorizing social change

In this article I argue that social change deserves to be recognized as an area of philosophical study in its own right. I provide a non-exhaustive overview of existing philosophical work that addresses the problem of social change, alongside a preliminary framework elucidating some key concepts and distinctions for conceptualizing transformative social change. More specifically, I sketch out two broadly opposed approaches to social change - liberal versus radical - in order to excavate some assumptions underlying extant philosophical literatures (and popular thinking) about change. I then briefly outline some other fundamental problems common to all processes of social change.

Automated summary

The article argues that social change should be recognized as an independent area of philosophical study, providing an overview of existing philosophical work and a framework for conceptualizing social change. It outlines two broadly opposed approaches to social change - liberal versus radical - and analyzes assumptions underlying extant philosophical literatures about change. Finally, it briefly outlines fundamental problems common to all processes of social change.