Key Concepts in Philosophy and Social Science

Understanding Philosophy and Key Concepts

Etymology of Philosophy

Philo (friend or lover) + Sofia (wisdom) = Love of wisdom.

Origins of Philosophy

Birthplace: Ionia, 6th century BC.

Exploring Myths and Logos

Understanding Myths

Myths turn to legendary characters. They are imaginative or fantastic stories. The author is always unknown and collective. They have a traditional and uncritical character.

The Transition from Myth to Logos

The passage from myth to logos involves the emergence of rational thought and reflection (logos), which takes the place of the traditional mythic explanations uncritically accepted (myth).

Defining Philosophy

Key Features of Philosophy

• Rational: Based on logical arguments.
• Systematic: Requires that all claims are related and hierarchical.
• Critical: Does not support anything without prior rational examination.

Philosophy in Comparison

Philosophy vs. Science

Similarities:

Rational and systematic knowledge; share the same object of study.

Differences:

The laws and scientific theories use mathematical language and need to be tested through experience.

Philosophy vs. Religion

Similarities:

Shared concerns and problems; intend to teach us how to lead a good life.

Differences:

Philosophy is a rational and critical way of knowing, while religion is a form of knowledge based on faith.

Concepts in Social Sciences

Palaeontology Defined

The science that studies plant and animal species that are already extinct.

Ethnology Defined

The science that studies the physical and mental characteristics of human groups (races).

Social Dynamics Explained

Studies changes in the evolution of social phenomena.

Acculturation Explained

The imposition of cultural elements from another culture.

Enculturation Explained

The process by which an individual assimilates the contents and forms of the cultural group to which they belong.

Racism and Xenophobia

• Racism: Considering that some human groups (races) are superior to others.
• Xenophobia: Contempt for foreigners or strangers.

Cultural Perspectives: Relativism, Universalism

• Relativism: The belief that every culture has value in itself.
• Universalism: Rejection of ethnocentric attitudes that prevail in some cultures, promoting universal values.

Interculturalism Explained

The consideration that peaceful coexistence of different lifestyles is possible.

Types of Cultural Transformations

• Transformation of culture
• Cultural transmission
• Cultural diffusion
• Cultural drift
• Cultural selection