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 self-
awareness. 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:_______________________________ COURSE:___________________
PERMIT NO.:________________ 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:_______________________________ COURSE:___________________
PERMIT NO.:________________ 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