Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Philosophy and ethics for Secondary education

José Ortega y Gasset's Philosophy: Perspectivism & Ratio-Vitalism

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José Ortega y Gasset: Perspectivism (1910-1923)

This period, from 1910 to 1923, marks Ortega y Gasset's critique of realism and idealism. During this time, he published significant works such as Meditations on Don Quixote, El Espectador, and Invertebrate Spain.

Perspectivism is not an accidental doctrine; it develops into a foundational theory of knowledge, open to both idealism and realism. Against idealism, Ortega asserts that the subject is not the sole axis around which reality revolves. Against realism, he argues that the subject is not merely a piece of reality or an abstract entity, but a concrete reality that lives "here and now."

Terms like "outlook," "viewpoints," and "look" are intrinsically linked to our position in space and perception....

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Epistemology: Core Theories and Philosophical Stances

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The Essence of Knowledge

Knowledge represents the relationship between a subject and an object. The fundamental problem of knowledge is to discern the relationship between the subject and the object.

For this, there are three main attempts at a solution:

  • Premetaphysical Solutions
  • Metaphysical Solutions
  • Theological Solutions

Premetaphysical Solutions

  1. Objectivism

    The object determines the subject; the subject assumes in a certain way the properties of the object, reproducing them. This is evident in the words of Plato and his theory of ideas, and in Husserl's phenomenology.

  2. Subjectivism

    There are no objects independent of consciousness; instead, all objects are creations of consciousness, products of thought.

Metaphysical Solutions

  1. Realism

    We understand this

...
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Aristotle vs. Aquinas & Hobbes: Views on Virtue, Happiness, and the Soul

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Question 1: Greatness of the Soul

Aristotle's Perspective

Aristotle defines greatness of the soul as moral perfection, encompassing virtues like courage, temperance, wisdom, generosity, strength, and justice. He believes that a virtuous person, incapable of pride, would sacrifice their assets for honor. Achieving greatness of the soul, for Aristotle, is the ultimate path to happiness.

Conflicting Views: Augustine and Hobbes

St. Augustine disagrees, arguing that Aristotle's view promotes self-glory rather than adherence to God's word. Augustine emphasizes the cardinal virtues but stresses the importance of praising God for salvation. Hobbes also diverges from Aristotle, asserting that happiness is not an end in itself but a means to another...

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Exploring Themes in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

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ESSAYS

A: Discuss the symbolism of Shakespeare in Brave New World

Shakespeare is what helps John understand the worlds that he experiences. He can understand cultural and social difference between the two world.

B: Discuss to what extent we have moved toward Huxley's futuristic vision of Brave New World

In our real world today, people are still brainwashed with catchy phrases that stick their consumeristic lifestyles into their ways of living. In Brave New World, "Ending is better than mending" is one of the phrases that's repeated the most. It pushes and encourages people to buy new products. In a real-life situation, let's say someone buys a shirt for $5, but the thread holding the hem of the shirt breaks soon after being purchased. That person...

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Vocabulary and Expressions in Real English

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TEMA 6: Vocabulary

TEMA 6: policy(politica), hosted(anfitrion), wise(sensato), right(derecho), event, determined(decidido), lead(dirigir), share, pride(orgullo), strength(fuerza), success, made it(conseguir), minority, leader(lider), resembled( parecerse a), arrested, released(estrenar), advantage, accurate(preciso), necessary, possible, like, perfect, happy, dependent, special effects, stars(protagonizar), cast(reparto), viewers(espectador), set in(ambientado en), bos-office hit(exito de taquilla), subtitles, critic, based on, shoot(rodar), give a performance(actuar), plot(argumento), have a role, leading characters, realistic, breathtaking(impresionante), clever(ingenioso), entertaining, disappointing, a waste of time(perder el tiempo), dull(
...
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Key Figures in The Picture of Dorian Gray

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The Picture of Dorian Gray: Character Profiles

Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray features a cast of memorable characters whose lives intertwine with the enigmatic Dorian Gray. From the influential Lord Henry to the tragic Sibyl Vane, these figures drive the novel's exploration of beauty, morality, and corruption.

Central Figures in Dorian Gray's Story

  • Dorian Gray – A handsome and narcissistic young man who becomes enthralled with Lord Henry's idea of a new hedonism. He begins to indulge in every kind of pleasure, both moral and immoral, leading to his eventual corruption.
  • Basil Hallward – An artist deeply infatuated with Dorian's beauty. Dorian helps Basil realize his artistic potential, as Basil's portrait of Dorian proves to be his
...
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Beyond Political: New Dimensions of Modern Citizenship

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Economic Citizenship: Beyond Political Roles

It should be recognized that in addition to political citizens, we are also "economic citizens." This recognition entails embracing business ethics and fostering corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, it involves exercising our consumer citizenship by implementing an ethic of fair use. Progress in these areas creates more opportunities for citizens to participate meaningfully in the economic decisions that affect them, with the ultimate goal of poverty eradication.

Civil Citizenship: Engaging in Society

Civil citizenship refers to the participation of people in various associations and groups that pursue legitimate purposes of civility. In these freely and spontaneously generated groups, individuals...

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Argentina's Pension System Evolution: From AFJP to SIPA and ANSES Functions

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History of the Argentine Pension System

Historically, Argentina utilized a dual retirement system: public distribution (ANSES) and private capitalization (AFJP).

Early Milestones and Generalization Attempts

  • 1800s: Early pension systems existed.
  • 1877: Government established precepts for teachers' pensions.
  • 1909: Specific regulations for teachers.
  • 1920s (Avellaneda): The 1884 Ley 1420 included a failed attempt at generalization.

Generalization failed because employees resisted due to salary deductions, and employers resisted paying contributions.

Perón's Government and the Distribution System

The Perón government generalized the system. Contributions were paid to the state, which managed the funds and paid pensions. This system was based on solidarity....

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Human Rights: Concept, Features, and Universal Principles

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Human Rights

Concept

The powers of the people that are acquired by the mere fact of their birth and which correspond to all individuals equally and cannot be altered or deleted by other persons or the state.

Features

  1. Natural: Because they belong to the person, by the mere fact of their birth, without being recognized by law or by the state.
  2. Universal: Because they pertain to all individuals equally, regardless of race, sex, religion, etc.
  3. Mandatory: Because they must be complied with and respected by all.
  4. Inviolable: Because they cannot be disturbed or altered by anyone.
  5. Inalienable: Because they cannot be traded or waived by anyone. Example: the right to physical integrity.
  6. Indivisible: For altering one of them puts at risk or alters any other.

Rationale

  1. Philosophical:
...
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Kant's Philosophy: Categories, Metaphysics, and Moral Principles

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Kant's Philosophy

Between these two categories, there are two wrecks: Hume's substance and the cause. Categories are given legitimate application to phenomena based on perceptions and lose that legitimacy when we endeavor to apply them to non-empirical or supersensible realities.

Kant again emphasizes the difference between phenomenon and thing in itself.

Kant goes on to show that metaphysics cannot be a science because it lacks the empirical conditions. This is because it looks at God, spirit, and matter (the universe).

The Moral Principles of the Law

Reason is the faculty of reasoning. An argument is a chain of trials. To link the early trials, they are needed. The only way to relate judgments is by linking all trials, each in turn belonging to...

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