Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Social sciences for Baccalaureate

Ludwig Wittgenstein: Language, Meaning, and Philosophical Investigations

Ludwig Wittgenstein, born in Vienna in 1889 and died in Cambridge in 1951, is a pivotal figure in 20th-century philosophy. His thought belongs to the contemporary philosophical current known as analytic philosophy, characterized by its focus on language analysis. Wittgenstein's philosophy is typically divided into two main stages: the early philosophy, exemplified by the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, and the later philosophy, found in the influential Philosophical Investigations.

Wittgenstein's Core Subject: Language Games

In the context of this text, Wittgenstein's primary subject matter is the variety and diversity of language games that exist.

Key Ideas on Language and

PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)

Founded by Pablo Iglesias in Madrid on May 2, 1879. Since its inception, the party aimed to unite the Spanish industrial proletariat under Marxist ideology, later evolving towards a social democratic orientation.

UGT (General Workers' Union)

Founded by Pablo Iglesias in Barcelona on August 12, 1888. This Spanish labor union also evolved from a Marxist to a social democratic orientation, similar to the PSOE.

Antonio Maura (1853-1925)

A prominent Spanish politician and lawyer, he served five times as President of the Council of Ministers of Spain and head of government. During his tenure, Maura was determined to end caciquismo (chieftaincy), encouraged Spain's relations with Britain and France, and initiated...

Contesting Cultures: Westernization (Uma Narayan)

Defining Third World Feminism

• A "Third World feminist" refers to anyone who has acquired feminist views and engages in feminist politics in Third World countries.
• It can also refer to any feminist concerned with Third World issues.
• Some feminists from communities of color identify themselves as Third World feminists.
• The author, Uma Narayan, identifies herself as one, as she is an Indian woman living in the US.
• Feminist ideals endorsed by Third World feminists are not necessarily adopted from Western cultures.

About the Author

Uma Narayan is a feminist scholar and professor of philosophy at Vassar College. She analyzes the relationship between Third World feminism and the West, defending it against...

Historical Context of the 17th Century

The 17th century was a period of economic and demographic crisis, marked by the Baroque era and the rise of rationalism.

Economic Situation

Several European countries, including Spain and Portugal, established colonial empires. While initially boosting economic development through trade, wars, plagues, and poor harvests led to a widespread economic crisis that impacted society and culture.

Political Situation

During this century, Europe experienced a continued centralization of political power, leading to the rise of absolute monarchy. Kings concentrated all power, supported by the aristocracy (socially) and the bourgeoisie (economically). This era is known as the Old Regime.

Social Status

The 17th century was...

Rydgren: Uncivicness and Populist Voting

Neither mass society nor social capital theories explain support for radical right-wing populism in Eastern Europe (EE). Despite EE's historically weaker social capital compared to Western Europe, empirical results don't link rising populism to weak civil society.

Factors Fostering Extreme Right Movements

1. Diminished roles of family, community, and traditional organizations lead to detachment.
2. Decline of the pluralist society.
3. Social isolation leads to joining authoritarian movements offering 'quasi-communities'.

Social isolation, more common in urban settings, explains support for the radical right.

Varga: Hungary's Far-Right Jobbik

This reading examines post-communist far-right parties, focusing on Jobbik's...

Spain's Multilingual Reality

Article 3 of the Spanish Constitution acknowledges the country's multilingual nature, stating that:

1. Castilian (Spanish) is the official language of the State, and all Spaniards have the duty to know it and the right to use it.
2. Other Spanish languages are also official within their respective Autonomous Communities.
3. The richness of Spain's distinct linguistic modalities is a cultural heritage that shall be respected and protected.

Bilingualism in Society

Bilingualism, the proficiency in two languages, can manifest both individually and societally.

Language Contact Dynamics

Language contact situations give rise to phenomena such as code-switching, interferences (including morphosyntactic, phonic, lexical, and orthographic...

The Roman Education System: Foundations

Early education, significantly influenced by Greek practices, often began within the family. Teachers, known as magistri, imparted a variety of lessons. The Roman educational system progressed through distinct stages:

• Primary Education: Taught by the litterator.
• Secondary Education: Led by the grammaticus.
• Higher Education: Guided by the rhetor.

Higher education often involved a year or two of intensive oratorical practice. Young men typically concluded their formal studies upon reaching the age of majority.

Primary Education: The Litterator's School

During the late Roman Republic and throughout the Empire, primary education typically began for children aged 7 to 11. While some wealthy families employed private...

German Pavilion: Barcelona, 1929

Key Information

• Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
• Timeline: 1929
• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Architectural Style: Rationalism
• Materials Used: Stone (marble, onyx, granite), stainless steel, glass

Architectural Analysis

Structural Elements

The structure is supported by eight very small, cruciform stainless steel pillars, chromed on the exterior, which hold the flat roof. The remaining walls primarily serve to define and separate functional spaces, rather than bearing load.

Roofing System

The pavilion is covered by a flat, horizontal roof. One corner is slightly offset, creating a cantilever, while the other side remains open, enhancing the sense of lightness and openness.

Interior Design

The building's design creates a fluid,...

The Fall of the Monarchy

Permanent Crisis of the Political System

• Increased prestige of the king.
• The collaboration led to a dictatorship for the king.
• There was no effective political system; the restoration failed because what Primo de Rivera did did not work.
• The only figurehead was the head of state, Alfonso XIII.
• Alfonso XIII decided whether to appoint a head of government to support the Republicans.
• Berenguer's government grew, and opposition united.

Phase Two: August 1930 - Pact of San Sebastian

• Formed by several Republican parties, nationalists, and some socialists.
• An agreement was made to organize an effort to overthrow the king.
• Upon overthrowing the king, an interim government would be formed, and elections would be called to establish a constituent

What is a Text?

A text is a complete unit of oral or written communication, produced by a sender in specific circumstances.

Key Features of a Text

Every text possesses distinct characteristics that define its nature:

• It functions as a total unit of communication, always serving a specific communicative intention.
• It represents a communicative act (e.g., informing, persuading, narrating) where the sender expresses a clear purpose.
• It is deeply embedded in a specific situation or context; removed from this context, it may lose its intended meaning.
• It possesses an inherent structure that interrelates its elements, providing both coherence and unity.

Essential Textual Properties

For any communication to be considered a true "text," it must fulfill certain...