Democracy: 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
Read MoreDemocracy, Political Systems, and the European Union
Democracy and Political Systems
Democracy is a form of government where political control is exercised by all people, directly or through elected representatives.
The constitution is the fundamental law of a state, establishing the territory’s structure, citizens’ rights and duties, and the government system.
Division of Powers
- Legislature: To create laws.
- Executive: Responsible for enforcing laws and carrying out government tasks.
- Judiciary: Enforces the law and administers justice.
Political parties
Read MoreIntelligent Learning, Culture, and Anthropology: Key Concepts
Intelligent Learning
Intelligent learning refers to an individual’s ability to solve problems through complex and innovative solutions, or even to pose new problems.
Limitations of Intelligent Animal Learning
Intelligent animal learning has some limitations:
- Animal discoveries are always oriented towards solving specific problems. They do not discover techniques, but solutions to individual cases.
- Discoveries by animals can only be transmitted by imitation.
- Animals are incapable of thinking about solutions