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

Spanish Theatre of the Early 20th Century

The early 20th century was a golden era for Spanish drama, spanning from traditional comedy to revolutionary, avant-garde works.

Traditional and Bourgeois Comedy

• Jacinto Benavente (1866–1954): Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1922. His works are ironically critical of bourgeois society, with his most famous masterpiece being The Bonds of Interest (1907).
• Carlos Arniches (1866–1943): Master of comedic theater and the sainete. Notable works include El santo de la Isidra, La chica del gato, and Don Quintín el amargao.
• Serafín and Joaquín Álvarez Quintero: Known for their cheerful Andalusian comedies, such as El genio alegre and Malvaloca.
• Pedro Muñoz Seca: Creator of the astracán genre, famous

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,... Continue reading "Geopolitical Orders and Global Power Dynamics" »

19th Century Germany: Nationalism and Intellectual Ferment

The Germany in which Nietzsche lived, and his friend Wagner, was the result of nationalist sentiment that took shape during the nineteenth century in Europe, due to the expansion of liberal thought and propagated by the Napoleonic invasions. Each nation sought a constitution that established the division of powers and political pluralism. In Germany, supporters of union with Austria fought against those who preferred a Germany under the rule of Prussia. With the new project, an expansionist Germany appeared. It set up the North German Confederation, annexed Alsace, Lorraine, and the German states in the South, and the Second Reich was founded. In the second half of the nineteenth century,... Continue reading "19th Century German Philosophy: Nietzsche, Wagner & Historicism" »

Understanding Capital and Company Objectives

Types of Capital

• Physical Capital: Elements or resources of physical activity used for the production of fixed or circulating assets.
• Human Capital: The level of preparation and training of workers.
• Financial Capital: Economic resources invested in financial assets deposited in the company.

Resource Allocation

Societies must allocate and manage scarce resources that can be used in many ways. Resource selection techniques for production are critical.

Distribution of Resources

Resources are distributed to those who wish to satisfy their needs, to support minimum consumption needs, and to address income disparities.

Company Objectives

• Maximize Profit: Achieve this by increasing revenue and reducing costs.
• Type

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... Continue reading "18th Century Revolutions & Enlightenment: Kant's Perspective" »

Understanding Discourse and Language Functions

The Notion of Discourse

Discourse refers to messages that proliferate and spread rapidly, often linked to specific language functions.

Key Language Functions

• Referential Function

  When the focus is on revealing facts or information.

• Emotional Function

  When the sender expresses their mood, allowing insight into their privacy.

• Poetic Function

  When the purpose is to draw attention to the message itself, highlighting its form or content.

• Conative Function (Appeals)

  When the aim is for the receiver to accept an idea through persuasive arguments.

• Phatic Function

  When speakers attempt to maintain open communication using conventional expressions like "say," "if," "uh-huh," "well," etc.

Characteristics and Structure

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.... Continue reading "Industrial Capitalism and Its Impact on 19th-Century Society" »

The Fundamentals of the State

The State represents the political and administrative unity governing a specific territory, exercising supreme authority over all its inhabitants.

Essential Elements of a State

• Territory and Boundaries

  The territory is defined by boundaries that distinguish it from other states. This geographical area is where the State exercises its sovereignty.

• Population and Citizenship

  The population living within the territory consists of citizens. Citizens possess recognized rights that the State must respect, but they also have corresponding duties.

• State Power and Authority

  To regulate the territory and population, the State dictates a set of laws that must be obeyed. Furthermore, the State maintains institutions necessary for

The Commonwealth of Catalonia: Formation and Challenges

In Madrid, there were differing opinions regarding the Commonwealth of Catalonia. The Conservative party was opposed, and even within the ruling Liberal party, opinions were divided. Some saw it favorably, while others did not. President José Canalejas agreed to the Commonwealth and committed to the Catalan cause. Unfortunately, Canalejas was assassinated before he could pursue this agreement, and the project was stalled. It was not until the following year, 1913, that the Conservative government of Eduardo Dato finally allowed the Catalan Commonwealth. The Commonwealth was established in April 1914.

The Constitution of the Commonwealth

The first president of the Commonwealth was Enric Prat

Manifesto of Spain with Honors (1868)

The Manifesto of Spain with Honors is a pivotal political text from September 1868, drafted in Cádiz by Generals Prim, Serrano, Dulce, and Admiral Topete, among others. It marks the onset of the Glorious Revolution—a political rather than social movement—which ended the reign of Isabella II following a dual economic crisis (agrarian in 1866-67 and financial).

Context of the 1868 Revolution

• Political Unrest: The Night of Saint Daniel (1865) and the progressive uprising of sergeants at the San Gil barracks.
• Pact of Ostende (1866): An alliance between liberal progressives, the Liberal Union, and Republicans against Isabella II.
• Revolutionary Councils: During this period, revolutionary councils assumed power,