Midterm Differential Political And Economic Theories.docx

LYCEUM-NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Dagupan City INSTITUTUE OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES NAME:RONNEL A. MAS COURSE:_MED- SS PERMIT NO.:________________

SCORE:______

THEORIES DIFFERENTIAL POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC THEORIES MID-TERM EXAMINATION

1. Plato felt that the individual should subsume his or her interests to that of society in order to achieve a perfect from of government. His Republic described a utopian society where each of the three classes (philosophers, warriors, and workers) had its role, and governance was kept in the hands of those deemed best qualified for that responsibility, those of the "Philosopher Rulers." On the other hand, Aristotle saw the basic political unit as the city (polis), which took precedence over the family, which in turn took precedence over the individual. Aristotle said that man was a political animal by nature and thus could not avoid the challenges of politics. In his view, politics functions more as an organism than as a machine, and the role of the polis was not justice or economic stability, but to create a space where its people could live a good life and perform beautiful acts. Although eschewing a utopian solution or large-scale constructs (such as nations or empires), Aristotle moved beyond political theory to become the first political scientist, observing political processes in order to formulate improvements. 1.1 What do they have in common in terms of their political theories? Aristotle and Plato were philosophers in ancient Greece who critically studied matters of ethics, science, politics, and more. Though many more of Plato's works survived the centuries, Aristotle's contributions have arguably been more influential, particularly when it comes to science and logical reasoning. While both philosophers' works are considered less theoretically valuable in modern times, they continue to have great historical value Plato and Aristotle are both monsters of the Greek Philosophy. Plato created idealism and Aristotle, via Thomas Aquinas, became the official thought of the Catholic Church. 1.2 Who do you think has a superior political theory, Plato or Aristotle? Why? Plato for me has a superior political theory because t is modelled on his vision of the soul, for the manners of a State are necessarily modelled on those of individuals. The fundamental basis of government is justice, and it can not last without it.

In our view, justice consists in rendering to each his own. Via Plato, Socrates rejects this definition in the first book of the Republic: justice, as he understands it, consists of the individual, that each part of the soul to fulfil the function of its own, that the desire to be submitted to the courage and the courage to reason.Warriors, who represent the courage and are responsible for protecting the state against external enemies and to reduce citizens to obedience; Finally, farmers, artisans and merchants who represent the instinct and desire.For these three classes of citizens, justice is, as in the individual, to perform its functions, so that there is harmony between the three levels. In addition, Plato holds that the greatest danger is in a state of division. As such, Plato does not admit, as Xenophon, major States in the manner of the Persian Empire, he models his own on the small city which was divided between Greece. Also in order to avoid the division, it removes the two most formidable enemies of the unit: self-interest and family spirit. The first was destroyed by the joint estate, the second by the community of women and children, which will be raised by the state. But this community of goods, women and children is not for use by the people. It will rule in the two higher orders, only able to understand the value and to submit to the public good.

Marriages, however, will not be left to the discretion of couples: they are all ephemeral, they will solemnly resolve by judges. 1.3 In our modern society, which theory has made a great impact in the political affairs of the different countries in the world today? Socrates is the first to admit ignorance or being stumped by a difficult question. The point of the dialogues is often the realization of error. This phenomenon is called “elenchus” or “refutation,” a moment of awareness that occurs when one of the main characters of the debate acknowledges the inconsistency of his positions through the assistance of Socrates, who causes him to bring an idea to its logical conclusion. This recognition that one does not understand the meaning of foundational concepts such as courage or friendship is initially embarrassing but ultimately increases selfawareness. This is a key moment in these dialogues.

In some of the early dialogues this refutation is the climax of the entire dialogue. Socrates is seeking to make people question their assumptions and beliefs and so recognize the lack of clarity in their thinking. They have to join Socrates in admitting ignorance. His larger purpose is to help himself and others find wisdom for the conduct of the moral life. This shock of recognition is in many ways the first step in a gradual conversion toward the philosophical life. he idea of whether or not there is a transcendental notion of the good to which we should aspire is a powerful concept. On one level, Plato's discussion of the "forms" and the "ideals" to which all human endeavor should be geared can pull someone to aspire to the highest of goods. Yet, at the same time, this can be manipulated by those who wish to consolidate their own power and eliminate other notions of the good. Hence, the reality is that in order to prevent some type of force from coopting the public good through the invocation of the "forms," a settling for diversity and divergent paths that might not lead to these forms may result. I think that it is really interesting to put Platonic thought in the modern setting with all that has been experienced in terms of singular pursuits of what had been called "the forms," which was actually far from it. 2. In democratic countries like ours, why do we owe to the Ancient Romans the kind of government they have?

Roman process of making laws has also had a deep influence on modern democratic political systems. During the era of the Roman Republic (509 to 49 BC), lawmaking was a bicameral activity. Legislation was first passed by the comitia, or the assembly of the citizens. It was then approved by the representatives of the upper class, or the senate, and issued in the name of the senate and the people of Rome . Many countries, including the United States , have since then used the republican Rome as a model for their own governments, requiring that all laws go through two legislative bodies. It is a pattern continued in almost every democratic constitution.Many aspects of today's society have been affected by ancient Rome . Creation of law, development of democratic government practices, influences in language, literature, art, infrastructure, and city-planning are all areas where the influences of Roman ideas can be seen. Additionally, Roman influences have had considerable importance in the spread of Christianity. 3. Which has a greater influence in our modern-day political affairs, ancient Greece or ancient ROME? Why? 4. On matters about Politics and Economics: The first law code in Roman history was the Law of the Twelve Tables, the precursor to the development of Roman law. Roman law developed the division between public law, in which the state is directly involved, such as with issues of treason and taxation, and private law, concerned with disputes between people, such as over contracts. This system was the basis for what is now known in the West as Civil law. Roman law also influenced the development of private international law. Romans had indictments and jury trials, similar to today's practices. Many defense techniques currently employed can also be traced back to Roman procedures. The idea of “innocent until proven guilty,” which underlies the United States ' criminal justice system,

also came from ancient Roman ideas. Also, the purpose of written law as a way to protect individuals from one another and from the power of the state is an inherently Roman idea. 4.1 Do you think politics and economics are inseparable? Why? Many economic issues are seen through the eyes of political beliefs. For example, some people are instinctively more suspicious of government intervention. Therefore, they prefer economic policies which seek to reduce government interference in the economy. For example, supply side economics, which concentrates on deregulation, privatisation and tax cuts. On the other hand, economists may have a preference for promoting greater equality in society and be more willing to encourage government intervention to pursue that end. If you set different economists to report on the desirability of income tax cuts for the rich, their policy proposals are likely to reflect their political preferences. You can always find some evidence to support the benefits of tax cuts, you can always find some evidence to support the benefits of higher tax. Some economists may be scrupulously neutral and not have any political leanings (though I haven’t met too many). They may produce a paper that perhaps challenges their previous views. Despite their preferences, they may find there is no case for rail privatisation or perhaps they find tax cuts do actually increase economic welfare. However, for a politician, they can use those economists and economic research which backs their political view. Mrs Thatcher and Ronald Reagan were great champions of supply side economists like Milton Friedman, Keith Joseph, and Friedrich Hayek. When Reagan was attempting to ‘roll back the frontiers of the state’ – there were no shortage of economists who were able to provide a theoretical justification for the political experiment. There were just as many economists suggesting this was not a good idea, but economists can be promoted by their political sponsors. In the US, the Paul Ryan budget proposals were welcomed by many Republicans because they promised tax cuts for better off, cutting welfare benefits and balancing the budget. (1) A popular selection of policies for Republicans. 4.2 Do you think politics influence economics and economics influences politics? Why? Economics is concerned with studying and influencing the economy. Politics is the theory and practice of influencing people through the exercise of power, e.g. governments, elections and political parties. In theory, economics could be non-political. An ideal economist should ignore any political bias or prejudice to give neutral unbiased information and recommendations on how to improve the economic performance of a country. Elected politicians could then weigh up this economic information and decide. On the other hand, economists who stick to data and avoid cherry picking favourable statistics, may well come up with conclusions and recommendations that don’t necessarily fit it with pre-conceived political issues. Many economists may be generally supportive of the EU and European co-operation, but the evidence from the Euro single currency, is that it overwhelmingly causes many economic problems.

Economics needs political support If you study economics, you can make quite a convincing case for a Pigovian tax – a tax which makes people pay the full social cost of the good, and not just the private cost. This principle of making the polluter pay, provides a case for Carbon Tax, congestion charges, alcohol tax, and tobacco tax e.t.c. However, whether these policies get implemented depends on whether there is political support for them. For example, a congestion charge was proposed for Manchester, but it was very heavily defeated in a referendum. A new tax is rarely popular. As an economist, I would like to see more

congestion charging because it makes economic sense. But, what can make ‘sense’ to an economist can be politically unpopular. The political appeal of austerity Another interesting example is the political appeal of austerity. After the credit crunch, there was a strong economic case for expansionary fiscal policy to fill in the gap of aggregate demand. Yet, politically, it can be hard to push a policy which results in more government debt. There may be an economic logic to Keynesian demand management in a recession – but a politician appealing to the need to ‘tighten belts’ and ‘get on top of debt’ can be easier slogans to sell the general public, rather than slightly more obtuse ‘multiplier theories of Keynes’

Prepared by: RODRIGO P. DE VERA, JR., ED.D. Professor Noted: ALFREDO S. CALUGAY, ED.D. Professor MED Coordinator

Approved: ROMANA O. FABREGAS, PhD Dean, IGPS

LYCEUM-NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Dagupan City INSTITUTUE OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

NAME:_______________________________ PERMIT NO.:________________

COURSE:___________________ SCORE:______

THEORIES & METHODS IN THE STUDY OF HISTORY MID-TERM EXAMINATION 1. Why God has been included in the Great Mind Theory?

2. Social Scientists consider History a Social Science. As a Social Science, can we consider History a product of speculative science or empirical science? Why? Defend your answer.

3. Do you agree with what David Hume said that “Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature”? Explain your side.

4. What is the best way of studying history? How do we make history interesting in the life of our students? Cite at least two best practices in our study of history.

5. Explain these lines: a. “History repeats itself.” b. “The more things change, the more they stay the same”. c. “Without knowledge of history, without knowledge of how events occurred in the past, we are in danger of repeating the same mistakes”.

Prepared by: RODRIGO P. DE VERA, JR., ED.D. Professor

ALFREDO S. CALUGAY, ED.D. Professor MED Coordinator

Approved: ROMANA O. FABREGAS, PhD Dean, IGPS LYCEUM-NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Dagupan City INSTITUTUE OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

NAME:_______________________________ PERMIT NO.:________________

COURSE:___________________ SCORE:______

CURRENT ISSUES, PROBLEMS & TRENDS IN TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES MID-TERM EXAMINATION

Discuss the following concepts/issues from the point of view of a junior high school teacher/ senior high school teacher. What measures can you apply to meet the demand of the following situation?

1. Discuss at least two (2) current issues involved in the teaching of Social Studies.

2. Discuss at least two (2) problems in the teaching of Social Studies.

3. Discuss at least two (2) trends in teaching Social Studies.

Prepared by: RODRIGO P. DE VERA, JR., ED.D. Professor

________________________________

Professor MED Coordinator

Approved: ROMANA O. FABREGAS, PhD Dean, IGPS