(Originais Teachy 2023) - Question Hard of Philosophy

Analyzing the following excerpt from the philosopher Michel Foucault on the concept of power: 'Power is not only exercised as a violence that would repress a right or a freedom, but also as a productivity that would fabricate something more and beyond obedience or submission. In its relation to politics, power is both a condition for the existence of the state and society and an effect of strategies involving resistance and governmentality.' Based on this perspective, discuss how the dynamics of power are established in political relations, considering the role of institutions and individuals in its configuration and reconfiguration. Additionally, provide a historical or contemporary example that illustrates the application of this concept in political practice, demonstrating how power can be exercised productively and how strategies of resistance can influence governmentality.

In the work 'Nicomachean Ethics', Aristotle discusses ethics as the investigation of character dispositions that lead to the flourishing of human life in society. In a passage, he states: 'Ethics is not a theory, but a practice. We do not seek just to understand what virtue is, but we strive to become good.' Considering the context of ethical debates, especially regarding the formation of values and moral attitudes in contemporary society, evaluate the following hypothetical situation: In a culture where corruption is widely tolerated and even encouraged in various sectors, what ethical strategy could be employed to promote reflection and the adoption of more integral behaviors among individuals, taking into account Aristotle's thoughts on ethical practice and its role in shaping human character?

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.