Does social philosophy relate to social theory and ethics?

I have an assignment relating to social philosophy (and social work); but my searchings are ending up in 'moral philosophy', 'social theory' and 'philosophy in social sciences', can anyone explain to me (or have a link for me to understand) the difference between them?

My guess so far;

Is that social philosophy is related to behaviour tendencies of society (such as power, individualism, accountability... (i don't know what else)

Moral philosophy is related to choices we make (such as abortion, ...)

Is this right? Can anyone add to this? Provide informative links?

I will relate social philosophy to ethics and values of social work; but are ethics and values the same as social philosophy?

Thanks in advance.

I have heard of philosophy of sociology but I never heard of social philosophy. I am inclined to ask 'whose social philosophy are we talking about? '

I could not possibly discuss this unless I knew what the questioner meant by 'social philosophy'. I recommend that if you don't know the term that you ask the tutor what she means by it. If the tutor means 'sociology' or 'philosophy of sociology' the question makes sense to me. I do hope that your teacher is approachable in this way.
My guess is that the person who set the discussion topic means either 'sociology' or 'philosophy of sociology'. I do hope that you can clear this up, and let us know what transpires.

It's possible that for all I know 'social philosophy ' means a specific academic discipline in American English, but I am perhaps not sufficiently familiar with American English.

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=OskK ... hy&f=false

I actually found the term 'social philosophy ' in use in the above book extract.

In that context it seems to mean 'philosophy of society'. In that case it would involve power, kinship, economic, social psychological etc.relations.And of course, as you mention earlier, individualism and accountability i.e. moral relations. All of those as theories and perhaps deserving of being tested in the field. I can only think therefore that it is a synonym for 'sociology'.

Hi Belinda,

Thank you for your help!

It seems the essay is about anything I want it to be! I believe the tutor means social philosophy in the sense of philosophy with a social perspective. And it seems we are to discuss as few issues as possible

I have therefore, decided to look at power, as that will also include empowerment and anti-oppressive practice. I think as long as I continually state why such a debate is needed in social work, that will suffice for the philosophical element.

Thank you for your help.
Liz

I am glad you have outlined the scope of your essay and I am sure from your questions and answers that it will be successful and interesting.

The university where i worked on my undergrad, called their major, social philosophy. It encompassed a wide range of questions pertaining to law, social contract, culture, ethics, media literacy, to name a few.