Introduction to Social Philosophy of Buddhism

Social philosophy stands for the application of philosophical principles to the

interpretation of ideals and data of the social phenomena of mankind. It provides the
knowledge of the fundamental principles of society through their respective epistemic
procedures.
The nature, meaning, ideal, value and purpose of a society can be known and
understood through those of social philosophy, which concentrates its attention on
seeking to interpret and explain the significance of the various aspects of human life with
reference to the social behaviours and unity of mankind.
In this respect, social philosophy studies the philosophical foundation of human
society and its aim consists in the interpretation of society with reference to social norms
and in discovering the meaning of actual ideals of existence in society. It tries to interpret
the result of social science, to study the ideals and values which are prevalent in society.
Moreover, it tries to suggest certain guiding principles for the regulation of social
behaviour of the members so a society. Ginsberg reflects upon the basic tendencies of
social moment and the ways of social behaviour, the supreme values, ideals, purposes and
destiny of human beings, from his standpoint of ethical philosophy. In this respect, ethics
receives a predominant position in social philosophy.
uddhist philosophy significantly uni!ue to those of all other religious social
philosophies because of it"s main attention has been given to the value of morality in
society and the combination of the progress of individual and that of society. uddhism
claims that without individual development morally and spiritually, there cannot be any
kind of development in society. So the development of individual cannot be separated
from that of society.