Original scientific paper

Searle’s Theory of Social Reality and Some Social Reality

Xiaoqiang Han ; University of Toronto, Department of Philosophy, Toronto, Canada

Abstract

In this paper, I attempt to show that Searle’s theory of social reality is largely based on his observation of some essential features of democratic societies, and is not universally applicable as it claims to be. I argue that his notion of collective acceptance or agreement, which is fundamental to his general theory, does not explain why a dictatorial or totalitarian regime as a social reality is able to survive through a significant period of time and continuously create and maintain institutional facts which are supposed to have no basis of collective acceptance or agreement.

Keywords

social reality; collective intentionality; collective acceptance or agreement; democracy; John R. Searle

Hrčak ID:

49388

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/49388

Publication date:

3.2.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian french german

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