KRITILEKTWAL

Kritilektwal studied Political Science from the University of the Philippines. His research interests are political philosophy, political sociology, critical social theory, popular culture, contentious politics, music, and film analysis. 

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Indicators of the level of centralization of state authority (Huang 2009)

1. Appointments of chiefs of local governments (Are the local government heads elected or appointed by a central authority?) 2. Reporting lines of local government (Where is the local government accountable?) 3. Legislative powers of local government (Are the local governments capable of making their own laws or are they just implementing laws crafted by the central government?) 4. Sources of budget and revenues in local governments (Can the local government generate its own budget or is it dependent for revenue allocations by a central authority?) 5. Civic participation in local government (Can the local government entertain and decide with its constituents?) Reference: Huang, Xiaoming. 2009. Politics in Pacific Asia. NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

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This video is a very student-friendly introduction to Marx’s concepts of labor, labor theory of value, and surplus value. While Marx’s economic views are controversial, any critique of society and social relations necessitates a review of his contribution to philosophy. HUMSS students will definitely benefit from this episode.

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"The Oxford Handbook of Political Science" published on by Oxford University Press.

The Oxford Handbook of Political Science situates the state of the art of the discipline. At the time of posting, individual chapters, except Goodin’s introduction, are free for download.

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The Theory of Moral Sentiments — Adam Smith Institute

"Prudence moderates the individual’s excesses and as such is important for society. It is respectable, if not endearing. Justice limits the harm we do to others. It is essential for the continuation of social life. Beneficence improves social life by prompting us to promote the happiness of others. It cannot be demanded from anyone, but it is always appreciated. And self-command moderates our passions and reins in our destructive actions."

Prudence, justice, beneficence, and self-command are the core principles suggested by Adam Smith in his The Theory of Moral Sentiments. For those studying economics, values, and interests, Smith’s works (especially his famous The Wealth of Nations) are a must read.

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Reading Capital

Courses: Reading Marx’s Capital Volume 1 with David Harvey – 2019 Edition Reading Marx’s Capital Volume I with David Harvey – 2007 Edition Reading Marx’s Capital Volume 2 wi…

Teaching and learning resources for Marx’s Capital from David Harvey.

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Why Marx’s Capital Still Matters

David Harvey on why Karl Marx's Capital is still the defining guide to understanding — and overcoming — the horrors of capitalism.

This is a transcription of interview with David Harvey about the case for the importance of Marx’s Capital. Although attacked by many camps, theoretical analysis offered by Marxist scholarship still provides meaningful critique of prevailing political and economic system.

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For the last several decades, a strange liberation movement has grown within the developed world. Its crusaders aim much higher than civil rights campaigners, feminists,…

“If we start transforming ourselves into something superior, what rights will these enhanced creatures claim, and what rights will they possess when compared to those left behind? If some move ahead, can anyone afford not to follow? These questions are troubling enough within rich, developed societies. Add in the implications for citizens of the world’s poorest countries — for whom biotechnology’s marvels likely will be out of reach — and the threat to the idea of equality becomes even more menacing.” Additional reading on transhumanism and innovations to human life: 1. “Homo Deus” by Yuval Harrari 2. “Can We Live Forever?” by Bryan S. Turner

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On Einstein’s general theory of relativity, gravitational waves, and LIGO

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Recognizing “power” is the first step toward freedom from it. But, can we really be free from “power”? Foucault’s work and scholarship focused on power through philosophical reading of history.

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Capitalism and socialism

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Reading techniques for different purposes. 1. Skimming 2. Scanning 3. Detailed reading 4. Revision reading Students should also be aware of the things that should practiced before, during, and after reading. During this quarantine, reading is the most important skill that we need to master. Click the link for more details.

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PRE-LOVED BOOKS FOR SALE!!!

Visit The Book Buffet on Shopee.

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PRE-LOVED BOOKS FOR SALE!!!

Looking for academic books and good novels? Visit The Book Buffet on Shopee for prices and other details. Thanks, Readers!

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PRE-LOVED BOOKS FOR SALE!!!

Hi Readers, visit The Book Buffet on Shopee for prices and other details. :)

[kritilektwal]

PRE-LOVED BOOKS FOR SALE!!!

Visit The Book Buffet on Shopee for affordable prices and other details, Readers!

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How do different Christian leaders make sense of illegal drugs, drug users, and Duterte’s War on Drugs in the Philippines? Read our argument on this newly published article in Politics, Religion & Ideology.

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Preparing for college entrance tests

For some high school students that still value higher level of education in universities and colleges, preparing for “entrance or admission tests” may occupy time. The idea behind admission tests is to measure the aptitude of the students for the academic environment they wish to enter. Most of the time, admission tests cover questions on mathematical skills, language proficiency, general knowledge, and logical reasoning. Other sets of question can be asked by the school. Since they are a lot of topics that can be included, how can students “prepare” for college entrance tests? This post briefly discusses some of the things you need to consider in taking admission tests. Most of the ideas here come from my personal experience. While other suggestions highlight "tips” (e.g. vocabulary building, algebra review, abstract reasoning sample tests), my discussion focuses on the everyday preparation. 1. Read newspapers. Broadsheet newspapers offer new words for your vocabulary. Instead of investing on expensive “vocabulary builder” books, newspapers instantly engage you with words that are used in everyday conversation. This does not only give you new terms to memorize but new words to refer to your concepts (this is more important by the way). Do not limit yourself by reading the news reports. Always try to read editorial pieces or op-ed columns. These articles give you analysis and commentary.

2. Walk around bookstores. Bookstores can give you information about authors and classical books. Bookstores can familiarize you with popular classics and contemporary local and foreign authors. You don’t need to buy them. The purpose is for you to find interesting stories. General knowledge section may include questions on authors of particular novels or famous characters in prominent plays.

3. Make friends with “weird or nerd” classmates. They might not be weird at all. They might be just very interested on very particular topics (e.g. physics invention, music, films, etc.) Aside from having more friends, befriending them lets you widen your knowledge on additional topics you find no interest at first. Always remember that entrance tests do not depend on your stock knowledge or preferred topics. On the other hand, you may also choose a particular topic or interest where you can focus your leisure time.

4. Watch game shows on general knowledge. Here, “Who wants to be a millionaire?,” “Jeopardy!,” and “Pilipinas, Game KNB?” are of great help. These game shows not only entertain you; they give you general interest on things. This entry is self-explanatory. Unfortunately, Philippine TV channels seem to stop showcasing these kinds of programs.

5. Use YouTube. In case you have difficulties understanding your math and chemistry lessons in class, always remember that YouTube is not only designed for cat videos, K-pop performances, and Marvel fight scenes. You can access student-friendly tutorials here about physics and other high school science lessons. Apart from discussing the core topics, online videos may also provide you with real-life examples so you can appreciate the lessons more. Of course, you should not stop on watching videos; you must go beyond by asking the “why’s” of the processes. Sometimes, try to be a “scientist.” ;-)

6. Borrow used reviewers. I believe that there’s no such thing as “old reviewers.” The idea behind here is that used reviewers have the same principles in their questions. Examples and particular givens change but the reasoning behind solving the questions stay the same. Sometimes, entrance tests repeat some questions from previous examinations.

7. Pray. You know what this means. Spiritual guidance from God gives you peace and wisdom.

I hope you find my discussion relevant. Again, these are all just based on my personal experience. Timing is also crucial. I do not believe that there can only be particular schedule for reviews and intellectual activities. Every season is an opportunity to learn.