Key Concepts in Social Justice and Gender Studies
Social Darwinism
Survival of the fittest.
Ideology
A system of ideas that forms the basis of a particular set of collective beliefs.
Colonization
Processes by which one person, group, or state seeks to dominate the activities and potential of others.
Inter-Subjectivity
Recognition that all identities are formed in relationship to others.
Privilege
Systematically supported access to opportunities and resources that others have limited access to.
Social Location
Geographic, social, and cultural site of a group
Read MoreDescartes’ Dualism: Mind and Matter Separation
Descartes’ Dualism: Mind and Matter
The reality outside is essentially different from the reality of thought. Descartes saw that there are two distinct forms of reality, or two substances. One substance is thinking, or the “soul”; the other is the extension, or matter. The soul only knows, does not take place in space, and therefore cannot be divided into smaller parts. Matter, however, is simply an extension, taking place in space and can always be divided into ever smaller parts, but it is not
Read MorePhilosophical Anthropology: Understanding Human Nature
Introduction: The Question About Man
What is man?
This is a fundamental philosophical and theological question.
Etymologically, “philosophy” means “love of wisdom”.
- Homer (Sophia): ability, skill, or technique
- Herodotus (Sophos): anyone who stands out because of the perfection and quality of their works
- Heraclitus (Philosophus): a philosopher is a good researcher of many things
- Pythagoras: disinterested effort that leads to the quest for knowledge
- Plato: Philosophy is a participation in Wisdom.
Origins of Philosophy: From Myth to Logos and Pre-Socratic Physis
The Origin of Philosophy: From Myth to Logos
1. The Transition from Myth to Logos
Philosophy originated as a transition from mythos to logos. To understand this shift, we must first define these two concepts and compare them. The circumstances surrounding this pivotal event in intellectual history are crucial to grasping its significance.
Initially, the term mythos meant “word” or “discourse” used for explanation. Later, it evolved to signify a fantasized or fabled story, often intertwined with religious
Read MoreRobotics: History, Classification, Applications, and Intelligence
History of Robotics
Although the word “robot” is used in modern applications, the concept of robots existed long before the word itself was coined. The ancient Egyptians attached mechanical arms to statues of their gods, operated by priests who claimed the movement was divinely inspired. The Greeks built statues with hydraulic systems to fascinate temple worshippers.
The word “robot” came into use after the Czech writer Karel Čapek wrote his play “Rossum’s Universal Robots” in 1920. The word “robot”
Read MoreAncient Greece: Social, Economic, and Intellectual Shifts
Social and Economic Transformations in Ancient Greece
Greek society evolved from a rural structure to an urban one, characterized by a burgeoning social class supported by a large slave population. This shift necessitated new approaches to democratic governance, emphasizing both equality before the law (isonomy) and the right to speak in assemblies (isagoria). Active participation in democratic public life was deemed essential, requiring a fundamental understanding of political principles and the
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