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What is Realism?

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Realism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the 19th century in response to the dominant idealism of the time. It emphasizes the importance of physical reality and the objective world, as opposed to mental and spiritual concepts or subjective experience. Realism can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC). In contrast to his teacher Plato ’s idealism , he argued that reality is fundamentally physical (composed of what he calls “substances”), and that knowledge is based on sense experience. However, it was not until the 19th century that realism emerged as a distinct philosophical and artistic movement. One of the key features of realism is its emphasis on observation and scientific inquiry . Realists argue that knowledge is based on empirical evidence rather than on abstract speculation, and that science is the best way to understand the world. Another key feature of realism is its rejection of idealized or romanticized portrayals of...
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What is a Lesson Plan?

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Have you ever travelled somewhere unfamiliar without a map? If you did, chances are you got lost, wasted some time, and wasn’t able to finish your to go list. The same happens in the classroom. Without a “map”—or a lesson plan—a teacher gets lost in her discussion, wastes valuable opportunities, and fails to do everything in her to do list. In this post, we will talk about what a lesson plan is and why it is important. What is a Lesson Plan? A lesson plan is essentially a teacher's roadmap for a particular lesson. It's an outline that guides the teacher through the instructional process, ensuring that learning objectives are met. Like any roadmap, a lesson plan is important because it helps a teacher in the following: 1. Organization It provides a structured framework for the lesson, ensuring a logical flow of activities. It helps teachers manage time effectively and stay on track. 2. Clarity It clarifies the learning objectives, specifying what students should know or be able ...
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What is Consumerism?

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Consumerism refers to a system where economic success and personal well-being are closely tied to the constant purchase of goods and services. It is not the same as consumption. Consumption is necessary—we all need food, shelter, and basic resources. Consumerism, however, is ideological; it promotes the idea that more buying leads to more happiness, success, or status. In a consumerist culture, products are rarely presented as neutral or useful objects. Instead, they are framed as solutions to emotional or social needs: confidence, status, or self-expression. Historically, consumerism expanded rapidly after the Industrial Revolution and especially after World War II, when governments and corporations encouraged consumption to support economic growth. Over time, buying goods became more than an economic activity. It became a cultural practice, shaping desires, habits, and expectations about a “good life.” Why is Consumerism so Dominant Today? Consumerism thrives today because it is supp...
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What is Psychoanalytic Theory?

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Psychoanalytic theory is a framework for understanding the impact of the unconscious on one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It describes both normal and abnormal human experience and emphasizes the lasting impact of early childhood events on adult personality and psychological development. Psychoanalytic theory was founded by the Austrian physician and neurologist Sigmund Freud  (1856-1939). For Freud, most of what motivates individuals lies outside of their immediate awareness. Sigmund Freud  (1856-1939) ,  Austrian physician and neurologist Psychoanalytic theory is often confused with psychoanalysis . While the former is a theoretical framework, the latter is the clinical application of such theory, a tool that explores the unconscious mind in order to relieve painful emotional symptoms and increase self-awareness. In this post, we will talk about the main ideas of psychoanalytic theory according to its founder, Sigmund Freud. The Structure of the Mind At the heart...
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What is Imperialism?

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Imperialism refers to the policy or practice of extending power over foreign nations usually by force.  It involves the exercise of political, economic, and military power to establish control over other lands and peoples, often with the aim of extracting resources and wealth for the benefit of the imperial power. Imperialism is often associated with the ancient Greek and Roman empires and more popularly with the expansion of European powers to Africa, the Americas, and Asia from the 15th to the mid-18th centuries, as well as with the empire building of Germany, Italy and Japan, among others, during the 19th and 20th centuries. 1. Features One of the key features of imperialism is the use or threat of military force to establish control over other peoples and territories. This often involves the conquest and annexation of foreign lands, as well as the imposition of new political and social systems that reflect the interests and values of the imperial power. Examples of this are th...
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What is Atheism?

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Why do people believe—or not believe—in God? Is atheism simply “not believing,” or is it something more complex than we often think? In this post, we will explore:  what atheism actually is,  why people identify as atheists, and  some of the most common misconceptions surrounding atheism. Our goal here is not to persuade, but to clarify—to help us think more carefully about beliefs and worldviews. 1. What is Atheism? Essentially, atheism refers to the absence or rejection of belief in God or deities. Take note that it is not a religion, a moral code, or a complete worldview, but a position on one specific question: Does God exist? And this is where confusion often arises. Atheism is frequently confused with agnosticism , but the two address different things. Atheism concerns belief—whether or not one believes in God. Agnosticism concerns knowledge—whether we can know for certain whether God exists. Thus, it is possible for someone to be an agnostic atheist: a person who d...
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What is Colonialism?

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1. What is Colonialism? Colonialism is a political and economic system in which one country takes control of another country or territory. The dominant country ( colonizer ) imposes its culture, values, and institutions on the subordinate country ( colony ), often resulting in the exploitation of the latter’s resources and inhabitants. 2. Short History Colonialism has a long history that dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman empires. However, it was during the 16th century that colonialism began to take on the form that we recognize today: with European powers establishing colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. 3. Motives The motives for colonialism were varied, but they generally fell into two categories: A. Economic Colonial powers sought to control resources such as precious metals and spices, as well as establish trading routes that would enable them to dominate world commerce. B. Strategic In addition, they sought to establish strategic military bases that would allow...
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