Utopian Socialism and Historical Materialism: Key Concepts
Utopian Socialism and Historical Materialism
The term “utopian socialism” was coined in 1839 by Louis Blanqui, but achieved notoriety after the work of Marx and Engels in their Communist Manifesto. They thought that utopian thinkers, though well-intentioned, were guilty of idealism and ingenuity. To avoid being confused with them, they labeled their own theory with the adjective “scientific.” Chronologically, the ideas of utopian socialism reached maturity between 1815 and 1848 (the date of publication
Read MoreCultural Freedom and Pluralism: Rights and Principles
Creation Science
Creation Science: A methodological discourse, rational and proven, without any preconceived value unconditioned outside of science itself and not demonstrated by it. In identifying the most relevant scientific creation, the method is the result.
Technical Capacity
Technical Capacity: Its purpose is the practical application of science, making it useful to society. Technology is increasingly establishing clearer, more defined borders, more divorced from science. The outstanding importance
Read MoreSociology: Foundational Concepts and Influential Figures
Sociology: An Introduction
Sociology is dedicated to the study of society and its phenomena, including social action, social relations, and the groups that form them. It emerged in the 19th century. Auguste Comte coined the term in 1838 in his positivist philosophy course. He is considered the creator of positivism and sociology, examining institutions like family, work, school, and religion. Sociology’s objective is the study of social facts.
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
- Referred to sociology as “social
Functionalist vs. Conflict Theory in Education
Functionalist vs. Conflict Approaches to Education
The Functionalist Perspective
Functionalists view modern society as a meritocracy, where success is achieved through ability and hard work, rather than ascription or inheritance. They believe that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds should have equal opportunities to attain high-status jobs. Functionalists see society as requiring highly trained individuals with specialized skills. They also emphasize the importance of an educated citizenry
Read MoreUnderstanding the Right to Vote in Spain
Theme 2: The Right to Vote
The Right to Vote and Political Participation
Political participation is a cornerstone of liberty. With the rise of the democratic constitutional state and its emphasis on equality, all individuals participating in the political process gained prominence, and the vote was recognized as a fundamental right. Today, democracy and citizen participation are intrinsically linked, with participation serving as a core principle of democracy itself. The right to participate, as enshrined
Read MoreJoan Fuster and J.F. Mira: Valencian Identity Essays
Joan Fuster and the Pursuit of Valencian Identity
Joan Fuster (1922-1992) is a key figure in twentieth-century Catalan literature. He was an intellectual committed to the underprivileged and the pursuit of Valencian identity, linked to all Catalan-speaking territories. His dedication is vast; he wrote humanistic, socio-cultural, and historical essays. His style is fresh, relaxed, and full of colloquialisms. His gaze is subtle, shrewd, ironic, and often caustic.
Fuster had to overcome many adversities:
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