Forms of Social Life According to Max Scheler

Abstract

Scheler distinguishes between the following types of social structures: mass, life-community,  society and collective person. This last structure is divided into four sub-types: state, nation, cultural circle and the Church. Scheler presents the social universe as a space in which diverse axiologies coincide: from hedonistic, through utilitarian, vital, moral up until spiritual and religious values. The particular axiologies correspond to the particular types of social organization. Scheler assumes that the life of each social formation is influenced by two groups of factors: real and ideal. In his opinion, changes is social structures are brought about by patterns that are anchored in the objectively extant hierarchy of values (i.e. in ideal factors).