GHS SBCB — V Social Studies: #8

Thomas Aquinas

13th-century philosopher and theologian known for contributions to the fields of Scholasticism and natural theology, as well as writing extensively on philosophy and Christianity, seeking to reconcile faith and reason, with influential works such as Summa Theologica

Milton Friedman

American economist and a prominent figure in the field of classical liberalism and free-market capitalism, as well as founding monetarism, an active monetary policy where governments control the amount of money in circulation; as a Nobel Laureate, his influential ideas emphasized the importance of individual freedom, limited government intervention, and voluntary exchange in promoting economic growth and prosperity, with his writings continuing to shape economic policy and debate

Soren Kierkegaard

Nicknamed “The Father of Existentialism,” a 19th-century Danish philosopher, theologician, and existentialist thinker who emphasized individual subjectivity, anxiety, and the importance of personal choice in one’s religious and ethical beliefs; his works, such as Fear and Trembling and Either/Or, has had a profound impact on existentialist philosophy

Jean Piaget

Swiss psychologist and renowned pioneer in the field of developmental psychology, with his theory of cognitive development revolutionizing our understanding of how children learn and acquire knowledge, as well as emphasizing the importance of active exploration and interaction with the environment in shaping a child’s intellectual development

Mormonism

Also called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a Christian religious movement founded by Joseph Smith that emerged in the US in the early 19th century, with its followers considering the Book of Mormon to be an additional scripture alongside the Bible, and the religion emphasizing family values, service, and personal revelation, as well as its temples holding great significance, where members participate in sacred rituals and perform ordinances for living and deceased individuals

Scientology

Controversial religion founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the U.S. in the early 1950s, with its central beliefs including the existence of immortal spiritual beings called thetans, who are trapped in human bodies, as well as offering a path to spiritual enlightenment and personal improvement through a series of counseling techniques known as auditing; critics argue that it is a cult, while supporters assert its legitimacy as a religion, with controversies and legal battles shrouding the organization throughout its history

Sikhism

Monotheistic religion originating in the Punjab region of South Asia and founded by Guru nanak in the 15th century, emphasizing the belief in the oneness of God and the importance of leading a righteous life through devotion, truth, and goodwill towards all, its core principles including the pursuit of spiritual liberation, equality, social justice, and selfless service; its distinctive elements include wearing the Five Ks and participation in community worship at Gurdwaras, Sikh temples

Kes

The first K of the Five Ks in Sikhism, the word simply meaning “hair” and referring to a Sikh vow to never cut hair

Kirpan

The second K of the Five Ks in Sikhism which refers to a short sword or knife

Karha

The third K of the Five Ks in Sikhism which refers to a steel wristband

Kangha

The fourth K of the five Ks which refers to a wooden comb worn in the hair knot

Kachera

The fifth K of the five Ks which refers to shorts, worn as an undergarment

Shinto

The indigenous religion of Japan, rooted in the reverence of nature and spirits, and with no official founder or scripture, being influenced by ancient customs and practices, the followers believing in the divine existence of kami—or sacred spirits—being found in natural elements and ancestors, as well as rituals, purification, and shrines playing a significant role in ceremonies, and an emphasis on harmony with nature, gratitude, and maintaining a connection with the spiritual world for a balanced and fulfilling life

Torii

A traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred and a spot where kami are welcomed and thought to travel through