Final answer:
Man as a social being refers to the fundamental human need to live in communities, establish relationships, and develop cooperative systems for mutual benefit and survival, as underscored by philosophers like Aristotle and through our long history of group socialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Man, as a social being, refers to the inherent inclination of humans to form and live in communities, developing complex relationships and systems of cooperation for survival and prosperity. Aristotle famously described humans as social or political beings, emphasizing the importance of social relations for rational and virtuous development. In alignment with this, the Smithsonian Institution notes that humans have been forming groups for almost 3 million years. This tendency is rooted in man's survival strategy, reflected in the robust social interactions within hunter-gatherer societies where individuals belonged to tightly-knit bands and adhered to social norms that guided behavior and responsibilities.
Understanding man's social nature also involves recognizing the process of establishing a social pact, as described by philosophers, which institutes moral and lawful equality among men. This idea aligns with the social contract theory, where individuals agree, directly or indirectly, to establish a society together. In broader philosophical terms, it encompasses the thoughts of existentialist philosophers like Nietzsche, who postulate that humans are free beings, existing in the present and responsible for their actions and choices within the society they form and sustain.
Therefore, the definition of man as a social being encapsulates our need to form connections, live in societies, and develop a system of rights and responsibilities towards one another. It is through these social constructs that we define ourselves and negotiate our place in the world, which is intricately tied to both our biological inclinations and our philosophical understanding of existence and social responsibility.