In the article “A function of the Social Settlement,” Addams (1899), argues that a group of people has stood out not to help solve problems facing society but rather to establish the extent of using the knowledge they possess. The group being discussed in the article refers to themselves as settlement. While this article has attributed social problems faced by the society having these settlements, the author has been limited to consider how they have aided in societal development.
Addams further points out and defends this by figuring out how actions/deeds give possible and practical results than the idea contained in the theoretical aspect. However, the author fails to grasp the sequence of events involved in transforming knowledge into actions.
A settlement belief is cited from the society’s norms and doctrines. Without having an idea of assembling the required tools to resolve a particular problem, even in possession of knowledge would be unhelpful and insightful. For instance, a lecture on astronomy would benefit the audience when presented in colorful slides to pass on the idea of our solar system compared to the analytical approach it (Adams, 1899). Knowledge is purely based on ideas, and the two are inseparable. The author claims that the settlement is susceptible to dangers of downfall due to their approach and stand on knowledge. However, in a broader sense, failure is quite unlikely to occur because of the integration of knowledge they have and the ideas they apply.
The article has covered various social challenges modern society is faced with while dealing with the settlement. These challenges have resulted in the existence of different classes of people separated by their ideologies. However, the presence of this settlement, driven by an urge of deeds, has resulted in the birth of several research centers and education facilities. Future generation need to consider assimilating them to obtain skills meant for society’s development.
Reference
Addams, J. (1899). A function of the social settlement. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 13(3), 33-55.