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The concept of law in the social sciences and the construction of reality: philosophy, economics, law (Part 2)

https://doi.org/10.52468/2542-1514.2025.9(3).15-24

Abstract

   Introduction. The foundation of this approach lies in the concept of distinct functions of laws. From this perspective, the principal role of social laws is their involvement in shaping social reality. Considering the swift and large-scale transformations in culture and civilization, it becomes crucial to examine the speed and depth with which legislative activity adapts to these shifts.

   Purpose. This article aims to point out a paradoxical situation. In the interconnected system of education, law, and governance, all these components exert, at minimum, mutually constraining effects.

   Overcoming this predicament might necessitate a fundamental rethinking of laws in their societal context.

   Methodology. The dialectical approach posits that any object under investigation should not be studied in isolation, but rather, at minimum, in conjunction with at least one otherт object. Similarly, in the realm of knowledge, the fundamental unit of knowledge is the categorical opposition. Consistent with this principle, law will be examined alongside concepts such as: 'justice', norm, realism, education, and myth. Special discussion will be dedicated to the paradox of an unjust law.

   Results. Part I of this article established that social laws serve as vital tools for shaping social reality. The accelerating rate of societal change since the late 20th century significantly influences the evolution of social laws. This study explores the relationships between law and the notions of justice, norm, realism, education, and myth. It illustrates the historical impact of both progressive and regressive laws on educational development. A deep connection is shown between legislative activity and myth-making, taking into account its ties to narrative, discourse, and the broader narcissistic shift in contemporary culture. The article suggests a productive reorientation of the discussion from the inherent laws of scientific disciplines to the communication rules governing scientists within those fields. Humanists and social scientists, regardless of their personal motives, play a crucial role in legitimizing new laws. Philosophical and economic perspectives on social laws are here augmented by a historical-cultural approach, through which myth and myth-making are analyzed. The paper also addresses the mutual influence of legislative activity and education, demonstrating how they can either accelerate, impede, or ignore each other's progress.

   Conclusion. A multidisciplinary approach to understanding law necessitates recourse to historical and cultural events, prompting an exploration of our subject from at least three standpoints: legal, philosophical, and economic. The study confirmed the constructive affinity between the notions of myth and narrative, and social reform and myth-making. Moreover, an additional aspect in grasping the essence of social laws is their contribution to the optimization of resource production, distribution, and utilization within society, which is invariably accompanied by diverse communicative practices. Authors' contributions. Section 1 prepared by V.I. Razumov; sections 2-4 prepared by A.A. Sapunkov; section 5 prepared by V.I. Razumov, A.A. Sapunkov, P.A. Orekhovsky jointly. In all other respects, authors made equivalent contributions to the publication.

About the Authors

P. A. Orekhovsky
Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation

Pyotr A. Orekhovsky, Doctor of Economics, Professor; Chief Researcher

117218; 32, Nakhimovskii рr.; Moscow

AuthorID: 72288



V. I. Razumov
Dostoevsky Omsk State University
Russian Federation

Vladimir I. Razumov, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor; Professor at the Department

Department of Theology, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

644077; 55а, Mira pr.; Omsk

AuthorID: 8985



A. A. Sapunkov
Dostoevsky Omsk State University
Russian Federation

Andrey A. Sapunkov, PhD in Law, Associate Professor; Associate Professor at the Department

Department of Theory and History of State and Law

644077; 55а, Mira pr.; Omsk

AuthorID: 701672



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For citations:


Orekhovsky P.A., Razumov V.I., Sapunkov A.A. The concept of law in the social sciences and the construction of reality: philosophy, economics, law (Part 2). Law Enforcement Review. 2025;9(3):15-24. https://doi.org/10.52468/2542-1514.2025.9(3).15-24

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