(Originais Teachy 2024) - Question Medium of Philosophy

During an interdisciplinary class that correlated Philosophy and History, a group of 2nd-year high school students was challenged to analyze the influence of philosophical thought on the construction of the concepts of citizenship and democracy throughout history. At a certain point, the discussion focused on the transition from the political thought of Thomas Hobbes to that of John Locke, considering the context of the 17th century and the events that led to the foundation of the first democratic theories. The conversation continued highlighting the role of Philosophy in questioning and reformulating social conceptions, which led to a reflection on the Enlightenment reforms that permeated the same period. In this context, considering the excerpt from the German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804): 'Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one's understanding without guidance from another. This immaturity is self-imposed when its cause lies not in lack of understanding, but in lack of resolve and courage to use it without guidance from another. Sapere aude! Dare to know!', and using your knowledge of Enlightenment Philosophy and the historical context of the time, analyze how the ideas of Hobbes and Locke, together with the principle of 'sapere aude', contributed to the formation of a new political paradigm that values the autonomy of the citizen and the establishment of democratic societies.

The interaction between science and society is a complex theme that involves ethical issues, intellectual freedom, cultural diversity, and religious beliefs. In 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,' Thomas Kuhn argues that scientific revolutions are not simple accumulations of new discoveries, but rather 'paradigm shifts' that reconfigure the way we see and understand the world. These changes sometimes conflict with established values and traditions. Considering the context of this statement, and looking at the evolution of genetics and biotechnology, Oliver D. Crisp in 'Genetics, Culture, and Ethics' highlights that 'scientific advances often force society to reevaluate its ethical and moral norms, as well as its religious premises.' Based on this quote, discuss how the evolution of scientific thought in the field of genetics and biotechnology challenges preexisting cultural and religious values. In light of Kuhn's concept of 'paradigm shift,' analyze to what extent the acceptance of new scientific advances in these areas can be seen as a matter of intellectual freedom or as the imposition of a new set of beliefs on society.

Christian thinkers were great agents of the development of medieval philosophy in the West. Regarding Saint Augustine or Augustine of Hippo, explain his understanding of free will and his theory of illumination.