BASIC CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF THE MAJOR

SOCIAL SCIENCE THEORIES

(Week 10)

After performing the activities in this worksheet, you are expected to:
a. Analyze the basic concepts and principles of the major social science ideas:
v. Hermeneutical Phenomenology
vi. Human-Environment Systems

I. Introduction

There are many causal factors that affect human behavior and human interaction. As a result, “social science”
is not nearly as reliable as physical science. We can speculate on what causes political and economic events, but
we cannot prove our hypotheses. Experts may propose two or more differing theories, none of which can be
definitively ruled out.

II. Discussion
E. Hermeneutical Phenomenology

Hermeneutics is interpreting data.

Phenomenology invites us to be open to the variety of experiences.

For example, one refuses to go out of one’s comfort zone by not tasting “exotic” food or riding “extreme”
carnival rides.] Hermeneutic phenomenology is “the study of experience together with its meanings” (Friesen,
Henriksson, & Saevi, 2012, p. 1). It is impossible to investigate experience without at the same time inquiring into
its meaning; it is likewise impossible to analyze meaning without being grounded on experience. As an approach,
hermeneutic phenomenology represents an “attitude or disposition of sensitivity and openness: it is a matter of
openness to everday, experienced meanings as opposed to theoretical ones” (van Manen, 2002).

D. Human- Environment System

Systems which combine both human and natural components to show complex interactions, and feedback
between them, are called human-environment systems. The most internationally accepted framework for studying
such systems is the DPSIR model (drivers, pressures, state, impact, response). This framework for human-
environment systems recognizes the human activities which place pressure on the environment and how these
pressures modify the current state of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. This leads to
impacts on the environment as well as on social and economic systems. In turn, human society attempts to
problem-solve in order to remove, reduce or prevent the drivers and pressures, restore the state of the environment
and mitigate impacts. The diagram below provides a modified version of this model which can be used to assess
the causes and impacts of environmental change and the strategies implemented to manage them.

Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences

Page 1 of 2
 III. Engagement (Performance Task 2)

Activity 1: Song Analysis (10 points)

Directions: Listen to the song “KAPALIGIRAN”. Enumerate several ways in protecting the
environment with the use of graphic organizer.
a. Land pollution
b. Water pollution
c. Air pollution

IV. Application (Written Work 2)

Directions: Answer the questions below in five sentences. (10 points)

1. How human environment interactions shape cultural and natural landscapes.

2. How does your environment, especially in this time of pandemic, affect your education?

References:
1. file:///E:/PROGRAM/SOCIAL%20SCIENCE/soc%20sci/3.%20Disciplines%20and%20Ideas%20in%20the%20Social%20DLP.pdf
2. https://www.agta.asn.au/GeogSpace/files/Core/Exemplars/Yr10/23.2.3%20Human%20environmental%20systems.pdf

Prepared by:

IRISH M. SOLOMON
General Chemistry I Teacher

Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences

Page 2 of 2