Philippine Social Science in the Century of Biology: Engaging the Biological Dimensions of Behavioral and Social Phenomena

Abstract

My main thesis in the paper is that Philippine social scientists need to engage the biological (i.e., genetic and neurological processes shaped by human evolution) dimensions of behavioral and social phenomenon. In developing this thesis, I first broadly clarify the so-called nature-vs.-nurture debate, which pits biological explanations against social and cultural explanations, then proceed to briefly explain contemporary perspectives of evolutionary psychology that recast the nature-vs.-nurture debate. In particular, drawing from examples of recent research and theory, I attempt to show that current theorizing underscores the close interaction between biological and socio-cultural processes, and thus there is no need to construe biological knowledge as antagonistic to socio-cultural theorizing. I cite some examples to show how social science theories are improved when biological factors are incorporated in the theories. I then discuss the implications to Philippine social science, and suggest that a small sector of the social science community should explore how the biological dimensions of social and behavioral phenomenon can improve our theorizing. I further suggest that there is a need to re-examine how Philippine social scientists construe the biological nature of social beings, as this may influence and even constrain how biological knowledge is engaged in theorizing, and to consider some possible constraints within the social science research process in the country.