Introduction
Process philosophy has impacted and influenced the American government and society in
many ways. It is defined as “a longstanding philosophical tradition that emphasizes becoming
and changing over static being” (Hustwit, 2021). In relation to American society, this philosophy
offers the idea that progress in a society is a change brought about by a series of events that are
related to each other in a systematic way. Process philosophy greatly has impacted America and
the American values seen in the current world.
Process Philosophy’s Impact on Legislation
Process philosophy has had an effect on many legislations in American history. Examples
of this can be seen in both the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. These
Amendments abolished slavery while also ensuring the protection of African Americans’ rights.
Various historical events brought about these changes, such as the evolution of public sentiments
as well as the Civil War in America (Scalise, 2020). As these events were interrelated, they
served as the premises for the change and creation of these legislations. The developments seen
throughout history regarding inequality in civil rights protection were mainly possible due to
various, random events that had occurred, in turn, leading to a change. As seen in the examples
of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments, the political perspectives of social sentiments and
authoritative bodies were deeply rooted in process philosophy.
Process Philosophy’s Impact on Family and Marriage
Process philosophy has also impacted various institutions in family and marriage. As this
philosophy suggests secular views and promotes the idea that God does not exist, the biblical
values of family and marriage have significantly changed (Ferdon, 2018). A common example
seen in today’s society is in same-sex marriages. The legality of this shows the process resulting
from change. The U.S. Supreme Court deemed the Defense Against Marriage Act
unconstitutional and discriminatory against same-sex couples (Legal Information Institute). Due
to this change, these couples are legally allowed to wed each other. Another example of the
impact on family is the rapidly increasing divorce rates. God is now commonly ejected from
family beliefs and values when He should be at the center. By rejecting God and His law,
families become “broken” because the guidelines that they should follow are no longer present.
The Bible states, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves
this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or
the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will
serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
Conclusion
The social values progress can be followed through the various facets of process
philosophy. There are multiple other examples that can be found on how society has been
impacted by process philosophy, such as political party platforms, education, civil rights, and
even economics. According to the philosophy’s way of thinking, throughout history, events have
taken place that led to a change in society. These changes have impacted and shaped America in
many ways. Additionally, they have influenced many legislations and institutions preceding the
current government and society. Without a doubt, events will continue to occur that will lead to
more changes in the country, government, and society.
References
Hustwit, J. R. (2021). Process Philosophy. Internet encyclopedia of philosophy.
https://iep.utm.edu/processp/#:~:text=Process%20philosophy%20is%20a
%20longstanding,and%20changing%20over%20static%20being.
Scalise, C. (2020). The Legal Hist American Duality: The Legal History of Racial Slavery in the
United States of America. UConn Library.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1003&context=law_student_papers
Legal Information Institute. Defense of Marriage Act. Cornell Law School.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/defense_of_marriage_act_(doma)
Ferdon, G. (2019). Constitutional government and free enterprise: A biblical Christian
worldview approach and ... Emphasis Interactive notes. Kendall Hunt. Retrieved from
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9781792402081/epubcfi/
6/50[%3Bvnd.vst.idref%3Dchapter09b]!/4/8[sec2_115]/2/1:27[tur%2Cal]
Joshua 24:15 - New International Version (NIV). Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2024%3A15&version=NIV
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