This document discusses the dominant approaches and ideas in social sciences. It focuses on positivism and structural-functionalism. Positivism asserts that all claims can be scientifically verified through rational empirical evidence. Structural-functionalism views society as a complex system with interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability. The document outlines key thinkers who developed and influenced these approaches such as Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, and Herbert Spencer. It also covers key concepts of social structure, functions, and strengths and criticisms of structural-functionalism.