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

Kant and Marx: Shared Philosophical Ground

Immanuel Kant and Karl Marx share a dialectical view of history. For both thinkers, history progresses through various stages, and some may even seem to be a denial of previous progress, or even a setback in historical development. However, measured with sufficient perspective, it appears as a stage in the unfolding of human potential. In this sense, Kant would be a precedent not only for Marx but also, as mentioned, for Hegel.

A Positive Assessment of Conflict

One consequence is that Kant and Marx also share a positive assessment of conflict. For Marx, this is reflected in the concept of class struggle. Kant also admits that conflict and antagonism are what drive history forward, suggesting that even... Continue reading "Kant and Marx: Philosophical Parallels and Divergences" »

The Impact of Technology Today

Technology has a significant impact on productive activity, social aspects, and other repercussions.

Definition of Technology

Historically, philosophies and scientists dedicated to the natural world developed practices that were often isolated and disconnected from practical application. This changed with the emergence of modern science. Galileo was among the first to carry out his investigations hand-in-hand with technique. He built a telescope and employed it to study the stars and confirm his theory of the universe. Thereafter, the relationship between technology and science has been increasingly close.

For technique, this has been a profound transformation. We can define technology as the set of procedures and... Continue reading "Technology's Influence on Modern Society" »

Rousseau's Core Ideas: Nature, Morality, and Policy

The fundamental concept of anthropological theory, morality, and policy, as outlined in Rousseau's Discourse on the Sciences and Arts and Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men, centers on the inherent goodness of human nature and the corrupting influence of society. Evil, according to Rousseau, originates from social structures.

To develop this theory, Rousseau needed a working hypothesis: a theoretical assumption about human life before the establishment of social status, the state of nature. In contrast to Hobbes, Rousseau envisioned humans in this state as good, free, and happy, with inherent equality. The natural man possesses two dominant, basic feelings: self-love and natural... Continue reading "Rousseau's Philosophy: Human Nature, Society, and the General Will" »

Group Operations: Concrete

1. Formation of a Hierarchy of Classes

• a) 7-8 years: Can include classes.
• b) 8-9 years: Can classify to represent flowers in clusters. For example: What will a large branch be? If you cut all the flowers in the garden, would any remain? Can a daisy be in the "Flowers" category without changing the sign? If you take all the daisies from the box, would any flowers remain?
• c) They have difficulty in representing objects that involve mental representation. For example: If all animals died, would any birds remain? If all animals die, would some animals remain? Can these two cells be under the same sign? Children cannot respond to these problems until 10 or 12 years of age.
• d) In the absence of specific references, Piaget found

Literature of the Baroque: Lyric Theater

1. The Baroque Era: A Century of Crises and Conflicts

The 17th century, known as the Baroque period, was a time of widespread crisis—economic, demographic, political, social, and military. The Spanish Empire experienced a significant decline.

2. Baroque Ideology, Beliefs, and Thought

Religion permeated Baroque thinking. This religion, based on the Counter-Reformation, was deeply intolerant and controlling (Inquisition).

The Baroque worldview was pessimistic and disillusioned, reflecting a sense of crisis, the passage of time, and the brevity of life.

Religious beliefs intertwined with magical beliefs about the supernatural world (spirits, miracles, superstitions, etc.).

Concepts of honor, revenge, and violence... Continue reading "Spanish Baroque Literature: A Deep Dive" »

Political Liberalism: 18th-19th Century Foundations

Political philosophy associated with fundamental principles that laid the foundation for modern liberties of the 19th century and the evolution towards democracy. It distinguished the 'political' from the 'economic' (especially concerning wealth expressed as money).

Core Principles of Political Liberalism

• Freedom of the individual
• Civil liberties
• Representative constitutional government
• Parliamentarism

Initially revolutionary and progressive, political liberalism fought against feudal aristocracy, absolute monarchy, and church doctrine.

Economic Liberalism: Principles and Challenges

Economic liberalism brought significant shifts in societal values and economic practices:

• Change in the perception of

The Interplay of Nature and Culture in Human Existence

We are nature and culture. Eating is a natural, biological process that all living things need to survive. Cooking or adhering to table rules are cultural activities. As the saying goes, “Man is a bipedal, implume, and unanchored animal.” Throughout our lives, elements of both cultural and natural origin are present.

Defining Natural and Cultural Behaviors

• Natural behaviors: Information is transmitted genetically.
• Cultural behaviors: Acquired through social learning.

Biological Foundations: Genotype and Phenotype

Biology distinguishes between:

• Genotype: The combination of genes on chromosomes.
• Phenotype: The interaction of genotype with the environment.

Phenotype = Genotype + Environment

Anthropology... Continue reading "Humanity's Dual Nature: Biology, Culture, and Evolution" »

Political and Geographical Terms

Territory

A territory is an extension of land with defined boundaries. These can be geographical or administrative boundaries.

Status

Status refers to a political unit - an independent administrative institution with the authority to exercise an independent judiciary.

Nation

A nation is a whole population that shares cultural traits.

Frontier

A frontier is a border limited to a specific geographic area.

Nation-State

A nation-state is a state that contains only one nation.

Multinational State

A multinational state is a state with many nations.

Stateless Nation

A stateless nation is a nation without a state.

Centralist State

In a centralist state, the legislative power resides in a single government.

Decentralized State

In a decentralized

Components of Socioeconomic Development

• Progress: Movement and change of civilization, in social, political, and economic aspects, towards a more desirable and favorable state.
• Modernity: Massive social change that affects political, economic, administrative, family, and religious structures. It involves significant aspects of societal transformation.
• Social Well-being: A situation where people have enough to live in peace because most of their basic needs are met. Considered basic variables include education, employment, health, food, and security.
• Social Cohesion: Stability and social organization. Members of a cohesive group typically share proximity, similar behaviors, and skills. Members of a cohesive group participate in meetings, take responsibility,

Management Functions: Execution

Activities involved in putting into practice the philosophy of empowerment for all concerned:

• Drive and challenge others to do their best.
• Motivate members.
• Communicate effectively.
• Develop members who realize their potential.
• Communicate effectively with recognition and reward; provide good pay for a job well done.
• Supervise the efforts of execution in the light of monitoring results.

Management Functions: Control

To check and monitor what is being done to ensure that the work of others is progressing satisfactorily toward the predetermined goal.

Activities:

• Compare the results with the general plans.
• Evaluate the results against performance standards.
• Effectively devise means to measure operations, which are the means to