Basque vs. Finnish Education Systems: A Comparative Study
Population
It is fundamental to start by saying that the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) has a population of about 2,638,416 people, whereas Finland’s population is approximately 5,425,553 people.
Language
To begin with, it is important to clarify that the most significant difference between Basque and Finnish education is the languages used for teaching. Basque and Spanish are the most used languages in the Basque education system, whereas Finnish and Swedish are the most used in Finland.
Ikastolak
Read MoreLocke and Montesquieu: Political Philosophy & Separation of Powers
Locke’s Political Philosophy
In 1688, during the Glorious Revolution in England, John Locke presented his political philosophy, which became the foundation for parliamentary supremacy over monarchical absolutism. His Two Treatises on Civil Government outlines his liberal ideas.
Locke, like Hobbes, distinguished between the natural state of man and his status in society. He believed humans are free and equal in their natural state. Unlike Hobbes, Locke thought that in their natural state, humans lived
Read MoreDemocracy: Public Opinion, State, and Spanish Constitution
Public Opinion in Democracy
In today’s democracies, every citizen is free to speak, as decisions are primarily based on the majority principle. Thus, the citizen becomes a key player. A free press, freedom of expression, communication, and associations are essential for a functioning democracy. Citizens must be well-informed to critically evaluate different viewpoints.
Forms of Citizen Participation
There are two main ways citizens participate:
Indirect Participation:
- Expressing opinions in media, forums,
Plato and Marx: Political Philosophy and Social Change
Plato and Marx: A Philosophical Comparison
Relationship with Other Philosophies and Relevance
Everyone is aware of Hegel’s influence on later philosophy, and Marx was no exception. Establishing a relationship with Hegel, who built the largest philosophical system of all time, seems logical. However, for this discussion, it is more fruitful to connect Marx with a philosopher more distant in time: Plato.
Both Plato and Marx share a fundamental concern: the political and social nature of the individual.
Read MoreHuman Rights: Key Lessons and Social Justice
1. The Most Important Lesson: Becoming a Human Rights Defender
One key lesson from the course is the interconnectedness of human rights, showing that defending even one right contributes to a more just society. Yes, anyone can become a human rights defender if they have the commitment to uphold justice. For example, Malala Yousafzai, initially just a schoolgirl advocating for education, rose to global prominence despite immense personal danger. Similarly, Elie Wiesel devoted his life to ensuring
Read MoreMeasuring National Well-being: Beyond GDP
Well-being: More Than Just Economic Prosperity
Understanding GDP and Its Limitations
GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, represents the total value of all goods and services produced by a nation within a year. Traditionally, it has been used as a primary indicator of a country’s economic health. The top five countries by GDP are the USA, China, Japan, Germany, and France. However, GDP does not account for the disparity between the rich and poor within a country.
The Human Development Index (HDI)
Recognizing
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