what is the relationship between enlightenment and sociology?

Answer 1

Personally, I feel Maslow's hierarchy of needs is upside down, but we'll save that for another day.

However, are you speaking of the Enlightenment itself? If so, Auguste Comte, founder of the term (and arguably the field) sociology was inspired by the study of physical systems in classical physics. Why not a calculus of society? he reasoned, and embarked on the project, though he was a poor sociologist. Still, he did also think that sociology's rightful place is as "Queen of the Sciences", even proposing that all universities should be governed by the sociology department, who then apportion funds to the relatively less rigorous physical scientific thinkers. Perhaps I agree to some extent... ;)

Answer 2

enlightenment as referred to in sociology is the western type enlightenment not the eastern variety.

(the enlightenment period began in france on a tennis court!)

Sociology is the study of society and you will understand enlightenment in the social sense by remembering it is a socially orientated topic. It has nothing to do with spirituality.

Read
John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty"
Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France"

Revolution is at the heart of enlightenment.

Answer 3

There are hundreds of ways sociology is connected with enlightenment. You will have to be more specific to get a useful answer.

Answer 4

Many ways. Here is a good connection in short, Jean Jacques Rousseau´s social contract

Answer 5

When a person's needs are truly satisfied (according to Maslow's Theory of Needs), they are able to go out and help others, usually become Philanthropists of some sort.