Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Crossword Definitions

Down:

1. Subsidiarity: Principle according to which the state intervenes only in areas where individuals or private initiative cannot act.
2. Citizenship: The position or status of being a citizen.
3. Welfare State: Government model that seeks to guarantee social rights such as health, education.
4. Liberalism: A political and economic current that promotes the free market.

Across:

2. Crisis: Period of financial instability, marked by devaluations.
3. Social Justice: Principle that seeks to guarantee equality and equity.
4. Development Plan: Set of strategies implemented by the state.
5. Solidarity: Value that encourages cooperation between citizens.

Key Historical Concepts & Events

• During the period known as Maximato, Plutarco Elías Calles exercised

Understanding Grice's Maxims and Implicatures

Grice's Maxims of Conversation provide a framework for understanding how people communicate effectively. However, speakers sometimes deviate from these maxims, leading to specific communicative effects.

Violating Conversational Maxims

When speakers violate a maxim, they deliberately fail to observe one or more maxims, intending to deceive the interlocutor. In such cases, there is no implicature generated. The speaker knows the hearer will not understand the surface meaning because they intentionally supply insufficient information, say something insincere, irrelevant, or ambiguous. The hearer, wrongly assuming cooperation, may be misled. In some cultures, certain forms of maxim violation, such as "... Continue reading "Grice's Conversational Maxims: Deviations and Implied Meaning" »

Comparative Politics

Study and evaluation of similarities and differences between political systems.

State

Political organization, institution for government, possessing sovereignty and territory.

Nation

Group of people united by fundamental characteristics.

Nationalism

Belief by a nation that it can be a state.

Nation-State

Borders coincide with a particular nation.

Territoriality

Unit has a certain geographic perimeter.

Sovereignty

State is supreme within its own borders.

Internal Control

Monopoly on the use of legitimate violence.

External Autonomy

Not subservient to any other state.

De Facto

Empirical.

De Jure

Juridical.

Three Worlds

System of classifying states.

First World

Liberal democracy.

Second World

Communist.

Third World

Not powerful enough to fit in other

European States: Diversity and Characteristics

Europe is divided into 49 countries. Differences between states include:

• Size: Russia is the largest, while micro-states are the smallest.
• Population: Russia also has the largest population.
• Wealth: Germany possesses the most economic power.
• Regional Differences: Western Europe is the most developed zone, while former Soviet Europe (Eastern Europe) is the largest in terms of area.

The European Union: Origins and Purpose

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged stronger than other European countries. European countries created a continent-wide organization to consolidate peace, prevent wars, and compete collectively against these superpowers. In 1957, six European countries signed... Continue reading "The European Union: Structure, Evolution, and Key Institutions" »

Key Indigenous Concepts and Terminology

• Indigenous Historical Consciousness: The understanding of relationships between past, present, and future from an Indigenous perspective.
• Historicity: The idea that history is actively made and revolves around Indigenous peoples.
• Historical Recognition: Acknowledging the full and accurate historical narratives of Indigenous peoples.
• Sites of Pedagogy: Specific locations or contexts that serve as places of learning.
• Indigenousness: The holistic way of being, encompassing the deep connection between land and people as a whole.
• Sovereignty: The inherent right to self-governance and full rights for Indigenous nations.
• Métissage: The interweaving or separation of histories, often referring to cultural mixing or

Importance of English Language in India

Historical Context and Acceptance

For centuries, education has been a cornerstone of societal progress, spreading knowledge and fostering understanding across communities. Children worldwide learn various languages in their schools, either as their mother tongue or as a second language. Most countries where English is not the native language learn it as a second language due to its significant cultural and utility values. The people of India are no exception to this trend.

English is widely accepted as a second language in India. As Mahatma Gandhi once stated, "English is a language of international commerce, it is the language of diplomacy, and it contains many a rich literary treasure." Such an introduction... Continue reading "English Language: Its Vital Role in India and Worldwide" »

Swami Vivekananda

Secrets of Work Stated by Swami Vivekananda

1. Work as Worship: Swami Vivekananda emphasized that work should be performed as a form of worship, with dedication, devotion, and a sense of reverence. He believed that when work is performed with this attitude, it becomes a means of connecting with the divine.

2. Selfless Service: Swami Vivekananda stressed the importance of selfless service, performing work without expectation of reward or recognition. He believed that selfless service helps to purify the mind, cultivate compassion, and develop a sense of unity with others.

3. Detachment from Results: Swami Vivekananda taught that one should work without attachment to the results of their actions. He believed that attachment to results... Continue reading "Insights on Work, Taxation, Business, Literature, and Philosophy" »

Constitutional Law: Core Concepts

Definition and Importance of Constitutional Law

• The Constitution is the supreme law of the country.
• It defines the State's form, ideology, government structure, and citizens' rights and duties.
• Regulates the exercise of State power and the legal relationship between individuals and the State.

Fundamental Principles of Constitutional Law

1. Rule of Law: Government actions must comply with the law; the judiciary ensures laws are followed.
2. Secularism: No official religion; the State treats all religions equally and separates religion from governance.
3. Respect for Human Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms must be protected.
4. Democratic State: Citizens elect representatives; multiple political choices exist.
5. National State: