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What is the term used to describe any of the sciences, such as sociology and anthropology, that seek to discover general truths from the observation of human behavior in society?

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Final answer:

The term for sciences like sociology and anthropology, which focus on human behavior in society, is 'social sciences.' Sociologists and anthropologists use a variety of research methods to understand human interactions and develop theories that explain society at different levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term used to describe the sciences, such as sociology and anthropology, that seek to discover general truths from the observation of human behavior in society is known as social sciences. These disciplines aim to deduce facts about human behavior that can stand on par with the concrete insights provided by the natural sciences about the operations of the natural world. The dream of the social sciences is to formulate rules of behavior, politics, and historical development that are as certain and definitive as the principles governing fields like biology or geology.

Sociologists and anthropologists employ various methods of research like experiments, surveys, and field research to understand and chart the complexities of human interactions. These sciences contemplate the full spectrum of human existence, including our thought processes, emotional responses, social interactions, cultural norms, and even our behavior in response to technological and medical advances across different societies and historical contexts.

The goal is not only to describe societal phenomena but also to develop theories such as structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism that explain social events, interactions, and patterns both at a macro and micro level, all while providing applicable knowledge for the betterment of society.

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