Chapter 10 - Sociophysics: A New Science or a New Domain for Physicists in a Modern University

Abstract

A detailed answer or a scientific essay rather than a theoretical or a practical approach to sociophysics, as a new science in modern society, this chapter tries not only to define it but also to analyze the innovations brought into its characteristic domains or into its specific fields. Sociophysics developed from econophysics, being practically a proof of the growing assertiveness and visibility of physicists in the domain of sociology, initially, and then in the field of psychology, and, by extension, over the whole social area, of human behaviors, and even farther. Sociophysics improves the quality of classical sciences and research and its original models and methods, indeed. Sociophysics is a new domain for physicists in a modern university too. Somehow it becomes a living proof that some physicists have recently established careers not only in the banking, financial, life insurance, and marketing, but also in the sociologic academic activities. Simultaneously, academic physicists have become interested in studying sociology, and economists and sociologists in studying statistical physics. After defining what sociophysics is, a brief historical background of the last two decades underlines significant achievements, perspectives, and methods used in the new domain. The few final questions are posed that are not only rhetorical.