Understanding Human Action and Social Norms
1. Human Action and Social Norms
– Human Action: The production of a change in the world by a human being in specific time-space circumstances, voluntarily and intentionally.
· There is a difference between the actions one performs and events that occur to the subject.
· Excluded: Character traits (e.g., being a man of action), reflex actions (e.g., blinking), mental actions (e.g., thinking), and natural phenomena (e.g., the action of wind).
· Includes: Omissions (one can voluntarily omit something) and actions (a set of actions that have continuity over time).
Note: We distinguish between human action and specific generic human actions (e.g., walking, resting, murder).
– Action: Body movement or the omission of movement that is done deliberately. There are:
· Basic Actions: Simple actions that cause a change in the world. They have logical outcomes and consequences (e.g., opening a door). To describe the action, we can focus on the result (open door) or the current state (e.g., cold air entering).
· Complex Actions: Actions that require the subordination of others (e.g., passing an examination).
Note: This is referred to as the accordion effect: Action – Effect – Consequence (1 – C2 – C3 … Cn). Thus, in response to one result or another, we can also define the action. To choose the correct description, one must consider the intention and, sometimes, the regulatory context (rules) in which the action is performed, as the meaning of the action may vary according to context. The rules prevent misconceptions.
– Human actions are not explained by natural causes, but by purpose, reason, and intention. This allows us to reconstruct the actions of the agent’s deliberation before carrying out the action.
· An agent can have two types of purposes:
1. To satisfy a preference or achieve a personal goal.
2. To adapt to rules, mandates, orders, or laws.
Note: Sometimes these two objectives can be united; obeying a law may also be a preference.
· Two models of human behavior:
1. Homo Economicus: The set of actions aimed at satisfying maximum preferences and explaining behavior over time.
2. Homo Sociologicus: Actions are explained and described as the agent adapts behavior to rules, mandates, and overcomes desires and interests.
– The rules in our minds arise from the socialization process through which we adapt to society and acquire a set of values from family, friends, and the broader community. These rules can be acquired through compulsion, obligation, personal reflection, and more.
· We see that human actions depend largely on social norms, which explain many human actions.
• The content of most social norms relates to human actions (e.g., smoking is prohibited).
· Rules justify many human actions.
· There are human actions that can exist and be described because there are human standards (e.g., promises).
– Requirements for affirming the existence of a rule:
· There is a standard in the social group we call ‘g’ according to which each individual must do ‘x’ in circumstances ‘y’. When given the facts, there is indeed a rule of behavior in the group, meaning most individuals do ‘x’ in most situations where ‘y’ applies.
• The deviation from usual behavior occurs when an individual does ‘x’ in a situation and faces criticism from others.
1. When a habit is not stipulated by a rule, it is not a norm. For example, going to Mass is a habit imposed by a rule, while partying on Saturday is a habit but not a rule. If you skip a party, it may not matter to anyone, but if you decide not to attend Mass and speak to another religion, you may face reproach.
· Behaviors consistent with expressing such criticism, without subsequent reactions, indicate that group members justify such criticism.
· Group members adopt a reflective stance that manifests in normative language, using terms like duty, obligation, and responsibility.
Note: A social norm is said to exist when it elicits a critical reaction supported by critical language.
– There are various types of social norms:
· Standards or Technical Rules: These only appear to be standards but do not impose a duty.
1. We say, “If you want to do ‘b’…” For example, the instructions for charging a battery imply that if you want the phone to charge, you must first let it discharge completely.
2. They express that to achieve a goal, certain actions must be taken. They hide a means-end relationship, providing information on useful techniques to achieve an end.
3. Sometimes, they appear in law because such technical standards must be followed before a notary.
· Rules or Rules of Experience: These are similar to the former. They are products of social and individual experience, often materialized in proverbs and advice that guide behavior.
1. Contrary to advice, these rules have a distinct force as they lack the power to compel action, relying instead on the authority of experience.
2. They are not binding.
· Rules or Rules of Social Intercourse: Standards used in daily interactions, such as manners, dress codes, and etiquette.
1. Some social practices, like fashion, are not normative but exert pressure in certain social circles.
2. Some are normative, and social treatment rules or courtesy are called applications due to their form of appearance. They are sets of behaviors believed to be correct.
Traits:
+ Appear as repetitions of behaviors without any authority to enforce them.
+ Are not deeply internalized.
+ Tend to be more changeable and less rigid.
+ Are extremely important as they facilitate social interactions, making everyday life easier.
1. The absence of such habits would cause significant trouble for everyone. Some social rules of interaction are crucial; for instance, a lack of courtesy can lead to contempt and critical reactions from others.
– Currently, these rules have been relaxed, but they still exist, allowing us to coexist.