The Treatise on General Sociology

Abstract

Abstract Among the various complex phenomena observable in a society, the regime or system of government is of very great importance, for it is intimately associated with the character of the governing class, and both of them are in a relationship of interdependence with other social phenomena. Those for whom the form of government is of highest importance are much exercised by the question: ‘What is the best form of governmental system? ‘ But this question has little or no meaning unless the particular society is indicated to which the system is to be applied, and unless the term ‘best ‘ is explained, for it refers in a very indefinite way to the various individual and social utilities. Although now and then this has sometimes been discerned intuitively, consideration of forms of governmental system has begotten endless numbers of derivations which ultimately appear as various myths. Both myths and derivations are worth nothing at all from the logico-experimental viewpoint, but both of them (or rather the sentiments they manifest) may have effects of great significance in motivating human behaviour.