Robinson Crusoe-style reasoning falsely derives society from an isolated individual

Evidence

By self-interest Man has become gregarious, but in instinct he has remained to a great extent solitary; hence the need of religion and morality to reinforce self-interest. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2471 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Herewith is expressed the profound relation between relativity and society, which is the most immediate demonstration of relativity in regard to the material of humanity: society is the supra-singular structure which is nonetheless not abstract. Through this concept historical life is spared the alternatives of having to run either in mere individuals or in abstract generalities. Society is the generality that has, simultaneously, concrete vitality. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 274 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Solitary instincts conflict with the gregarious self-interest required for society — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2471; Society is a concrete generality neither reducible to individuals nor abstract — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 274

Related

• Solitary instincts conflict with the gregarious self-interest required for society (similarity 0.85)

Broader Connections

• Solitary instincts conflict with the gregarious self-interest required for society #exemplifies (0.85) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2471
• Society is a concrete generality neither reducible to individuals nor abstract #corroborates (0.82) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 274