Concise Notes on Contemporary World and Globalization Themes

Philosophy of Science

  • Scientific research is systematic knowledge creation or truth-seeking.

  • Truth in positivism:

    • Pertains to empirical verifiability and logical soundness.

    • Science aims for truth, not misinformation.

  • Auguste Comte:

    • Coined "Sociology."

    • Emphasized positivism/scientific methods in studying society for reform.

Society and Social Change

  • Globalization involves expansion and acceleration of interactions.

  • Concept of society:

    • Defined as a group of individuals in persistent social interaction within a territory sharing culture.

Economics

  • Alfred Marshall: Economics is the study of mankind in business life, linking individual and social actions to material wellbeing.

Politics

  • Aristotle: Man is political by nature and achieves community safety through active participation.

  • Concepts of political authority, legitimacy, sovereignty, and hegemony.

Development

  • UN's Human Development Index (HDI) measures long lives, knowledge, economic resources, and community participation.

  • Need for favorable definitions of change and desired change for social progress.

Globalization Themes

1. Globalization and the Philippines

  • Complex interconnectedness transforming societies through historical evolution, trade, and cultural exchange.

  • Economic growth driven by globalization includes higher GDP and job creation.

2. Economic Globalization

  • Involves interconnected national economies, dominated by multinational corporations (MNCs).

  • Raises issues of income inequality and local economic impacts.

3. Cultural Globalization

  • Cultural homogenization poses risks to local identities, while cultural hybridity fosters diversity.

  • Philippines exemplifies cultural hybridization through cuisine and practices.

4. Political Globalization

  • Supranational organizations like the UN and EU shape global governance and international relations.

  • The Philippines navigates tensions between global cooperation and national sovereignty.

5. Social Globalization

  • Examines migration trends, human rights challenges, and global social movements.

  • Highlights the role of activism in advocating for global justice and equality.