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

Democracy: Core Principles and Policies

Democracy is a system where power belongs to all citizens. This power is not absolute but is limited by a Constitution, which, among other provisions, ensures the division of power and protects citizens' rights.

Access to political power is achieved through open and peaceful competition among a plurality of political forces. In a democratic regime, those who exercise power do so for a defined period. Citizens' rights are protected by the Constitution and laws.

The National Constitution

The National Constitution is a written document. It is considered rigid because its reform requires a special procedure, distinct from the common process for amending ordinary laws.

Objectives of the Constitution

The Constitution'...

1. Elitist Democracy

Based on the writings of Max Weber and Joseph Schumpeter, elitist democracy posits that democracy is a mechanism for selecting those who govern. In Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, Schumpeter aimed to refine democratic theory by challenging the classical definition of democracy as an arrangement for achieving the common good. He argued that this definition relied on vague concepts like the 'popular will'. Instead, he proposed a more 'realistic' definition: democracy as a competitive struggle for votes, where individuals acquire power through this process.

2. Participatory Democracy

In contrast to elitist theory, participatory democracy emphasizes the active role of citizens in shaping political decisions. It argues that...

1. Historical Context

The period from 1874 to 1950 witnessed significant events in Spain's history. The Bourbon Restoration under Alfonso XII (1874-1923) was marked by the Disaster of '98, leading to the loss of overseas colonies. This era saw the rise of Primo de Rivera's dictatorship and the alternation of power between the Conservative and Liberal parties. The Second Republic was proclaimed in 1931, followed by General Franco's military uprising in 1936, which ignited the Spanish Civil War.

Spain's socioeconomic and political conditions during this time reflected a backward society within Europe, heavily reliant on agriculture. A growing polarization emerged between the landowning class and the rural working class. Ortega y Gasset warned...

The Age of Enlightenment

The eighteenth century was called the Age of Enlightenment by reference to the "light of reason," which attempted to eliminate the superstition, ignorance, and obscurantism of the previous centuries.

Scientific and Intellectual Progress

Reason and applied research resulted in considerable scientific progress: the terrestrial meridian was measured, the metric system was established, living beings were classified, and vaccines were discovered. But the biggest shifts occurred in ideas and beliefs, which were systematically reviewed and questioned.

Core Ideas and Values

This ideological and literary critical movement was called the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, which had its origin in English philosophers, took its final...

1.1 Geopolitical Orders

The global political system is the result of a series of historical processes that have shaped geopolitical orders worldwide. In each of these orders, the distribution of power and influence among major powers is crucial, as these powers impose their ideas and concepts on other countries.

World War I and Its Aftermath

The First World War, lasting from 1914 to 1918, significantly impacted the global landscape. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, officially ended the war and transformed the political map of Europe. The interwar period was marked by the economic crisis of 1929, which led to a decline in international trade. In 1939, another global conflict began, with even greater destructive capacity due to new weapons,...

18th Century Europe: Enlightenment & Despotism

The 18th century saw a unique political framework emerge in European monarchies: Enlightened Despotism. Kings sought to reconcile the maintenance of absolute power with the promotion of social and cultural improvements for their subjects. Enlightened thinkers, while directing their criticism towards religion and cultural traditions they considered superstitious, generally avoided direct political criticism of the monarchical system itself.

Frederick the Great & Kant's Enlightenment Views

One of the most important rulers of this era was Frederick II of Prussia, known as Frederick the Great. He demonstrated significant intellectual gifts and governmental prowess, maintaining contacts with prominent...

Critical Appraisal - The Tree of Knowledge

The Tree of Knowledge belongs to the first stage of Pio Baroja's literary career and thus has some autobiographical elements. It also clearly reflects the sensibility that the authors of the Generation of 98 had with respect to the life and society of the time. Thus, it is arguably one of the most representative novels of Baroja's work and, simultaneously, one of the most typical novels of the Generation of '98.

Autobiographical Nature and Character Development

The autobiographical nature is one of its characteristics, truly becoming a novel of character, focusing on Andres Hurtado. It focuses on the protagonist's life from its beginning to its tragic end, primarily focusing on the psychological development...

Industrial Capitalism

The Industrial Revolution, originating in Britain, propelled the rise of capitalism and liberalism. This system subsequently spread throughout Europe, the USA, and Japan.

In the eighteenth century, Adam Smith defined economic liberalism. He posited that self-interest was the driving force of the economy, prices adjusted supply to demand, and the state should not interfere with free trade.

Under these principles, capitalism is based on a system where the means of production are privately owned.

When supply outpaces demand, businesses fail, stockpiles accumulate, and unemployment rises. This chain of events leads to economic crises.

Banks played a crucial role, providing loans and facilitating payments through checks and bills....

Language and Languages

Language and languages can be synonymous in certain contexts but can also be distinguished by examining the words very precisely:

• Language: The ability to communicate through words.
• Language: Specific words used to communicate.

There are languages where there are signs or symbols. Their meaning must signify something: The words of a language are what is common to all languages. Human language is the ability to communicate. We all have the capacity for language, and all have the same capacity, but everything to do with a language we know is our own. Language is materialized by language.

• Language: Communication system; human power.
• Languages: Lesser, concrete materializations.

Human beings are fundamentally linguistic, endowed...

Key Concepts: Expression and Content Levels

Understanding the relationship between the significant level of expression and the meaning or level of content is fundamental.

Levels of Linguistic Analysis

1. Phonics: Focuses on intonation and accents.
2. Morphology: Involves the study of morphemes and the various uses of nouns and adjectives.
3. Syntax: Concerns the use of simple and compound sentences.
4. Lexical-Semantics: Deals with polysemy (multiple meanings of words) embedded within the lexical level.

Understanding Paradigms

Paradigm: Refers to unanswered questions or a standard model that determines the functioning of a society and is established as correct; a model or example.

Linguistic Paradigm: A set of linguistic units or elements within a category that...