CIVIC

Grade 11
UNIT 1
Building a democratic system
Lesson 1: Basic principles of the Ethiopia constitution
 The Ethiopian Constitution is an expression of peoples’ sovereignty.
 All sovereign power resides in the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.
 The Constitution is the supreme law of the country.
 The act of separation of state and religion creates a condition for all religions to be equal.
 Human and democratic rights are respected through the Constitution.
 The government and its officials are accountable to the people.
Lesson 2: Human and democratic rights and the Ethiopian constitution
 In a democracy, there are fundamental rights and freedoms that citizens enjoy.
 Human rights and democratic rights do not exist in separation, they form a
 whole.
 Every person has the right to life, liberty and security.
 Citizens under a democracy have rights of thought, opinion and expression.
 Active public participation is at the heart of a democratic system.
 At the federal level, representatives are elected by the people to be members of the
parliament.
Lesson 3: Citizens’ obligations/duties
 Your constitutional obligations include respecting the rights of fellow Ethiopians.
 As you have rights to enjoy, so you have constitutional obligations to fulfill.
 In a democracy, your obligations and rights are kept in balance.
 Rights are given, but they come with duties.
 A failure to respect constitutional obligations is punishable by law.
 You should fulfill your obligations in respect to the Constitution and laws of the country.
Lesson 4: Features of a democratic system
 In a democracy, power resides in the people.
 Abuse of power in government can be checked through transparency and
accountability.
 Government officials have an obligation to be transparent and accountable for what
they do.
 Another feature of a democratic system is to promote political tolerance among
groups holding different viewpoints.
 People who are able to handle diversity help create a strong national unity.
Lesson 5: federalism
 Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between federal and
regional governments.
 The principle of federalism is to devolve power to regions that constitute the
federation.
  The devolution of power makes neither the central nor the regional governments
supreme.
 Following the downfall of the Derg, Ethiopia became a federal democratic republic.
 Federalism creates a sense of responsibility among its citizens to respect each
others rights in order to live in peace and dignity.
 Retaining its federal structure, Ethiopia remains unitary in spirit.
Lesson 6: Ethiopia and international Relations
 Ethiopia is the only country that was never colonized.
 Ethiopia joined the League of Nations in 1923.
 Ethiopia entered into formal and modern international relations after the Battle of
 Adwa.
 The United Nations was born out of the debris of the Second World War and
 Ethiopia became one of its founding members.
 Ethiopia pioneered the establishment of the Organization of the African Unity
 (OAU), later the AU, and Addis Ababa became its headquarters.
 Ethiopia contributed to the formation of sub-regional organizations such as COMESA
and IGAD.
 Ethiopia played a role as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
 Ethiopia contributed peacekeeping forces to the UN missions to Korea, Rwanda, Burundi,
Liberia, Congo and Darfur.
SUMMARY
In this unit, you have explored a wide range of topics. You have examined the basic principles of the
Ethiopian
Constitution as an expression of the sovereignty of the people. You have seen the democratic rights that
the
Constitution has given to the people of Ethiopia. The Constitution also underlines the obligations that
citizens
have, to enrich and enhance democratic rule in the country. You have learnt how federalism works in
Ethiopia,
helping to promote mutual respect among people, and looked at the contributions Ethiopia has
made to
international relations. You have investigated the remarkable roles this country has played as a member
of the
League of Nations, the UN, OAU (AU), Non-Aligned Movement and regional organizations. Its
contributions
to UN Peacekeeping missions in Asia and Africa are some of the greatest achievements of the country.
GLOSSARY
Accountability: Officials responsibility to show their actions and decisions to their citizens.
Devolution of Power: The practice of assigning power to the lower levels of government
administrative hierarchies.
Features of Democratic system: Characteristics that a democratic system embraces.
Secularism: The separation of state and religion.
Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution being above all laws.
Unitary in spirit: The condition where people in a given country develop the feeling of
oneness.
UNIT 2
rule of law
Lesson 1: Rule of law and constitution
 Rule of law prevails under a democratic government with a democratic constitution.
 The previous constitutions of Ethiopia adapted a unitary system of government.
 The FDRE Constitution adopted a federal system of government.
 The regional governments (states) have their own constitutions and establish the
 legislature, executive and judiciary at the regional level.
 Both the federal and the regional constitutions prohibit government officials at all
 levels from violating the laws of the land and acting against the basic rights of
citizens.
 The regional states constitutions are always subordinate to the federal constitution.
Lesson 2: The necessity of the rule of law
 Rule of law establishes restrictions on both those who govern and the governed.
 Everyone, irrespective of wealth, rank or condition, is subject to law and jurisdiction
 of the courts.
 Where there is rule of law, the rights of individuals and groups will be
 respected.
 Conflict means disagreement that arises due to differences that can result from
 divergences of interest in society.
 Confl icts can be legally resolved by adhering to the values and principles of the
 Constitution, by working together on common problems and identifying the
 commonly shared values, interests and goals.
Lesson 3: Limited and unlimited government
 Limited government means decentralized power; imposition of other restraints on the
power of the government.
 Unlimited government can be expressed through authoritarianism and totalitarianism.
 Constitutionalism means a limited government as the result of strict observance of the
constitution by the government.
 Unlimited government is undemocratic, for example, a dictatorship.
Lesson 4: The rule of law and combating corrupltion
 Corruption is morally wrong and breaks rule of law.
 Individuals must be honest and truthful in order to combat corruption.
 Transparency and accountability in government institutions play a great role in
combating corruption.
 Active and full participation of the public and unreserved commitment is required to fight
corruption.
SUMMARY
Ethiopia, as a federal state, has two levels of government. The federal government has overall
jurisdiction across the country; and jurisdiction of the states is limited to their respective regions.
Both the federal government and the states have their own constitutions. These constitutions
have similarities and differences.
The prevalence of the rule of law requires a democratic constitution. In democratic countries, there is
constitutionalism which means the strict observance of the constitution. In these countries, the principle
of rule of law is respected and human and democratic rights are guaranteed. The rule of law is very
important to restrict the powers of both those who govern and the governed. It also helps protect and
respect the rights of individuals and groups. An absence of rule of law means arbitrary rule,
disorder and destruction that can lead to conflict.
A government whose power is restricted constitutionally is called limited government. The action taken,
the decisions passed, and the laws and rules issued by limited government are in accordance
with the principles and values set by law. If there is no limitation or restraint upon the power of the
government, then that government is an unlimited government. An unlimited government
expresses itself through authoritarianism and totalitarianism. Corruption is a serious problem from
which the whole world is suffering. It is a threat and sets back the development effort of a nation.
Therefore, in the fight against corruption, both individual citizens and institutions must contribute. The
most important factor in the fight against corruption is the prevalence of the rule of law in everyday life.
GLOSSARY
Constitutionalism: Belief in the idea of a constitution.
Dictatorship: A dictator’s power or authority, or the period of time during which a dictator rules
and exercises absolute power or authority.
UNIT 3 d
Equality
Lesson 1: among the nation, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia
 Equality refers to the state of being treated the same as others.
 In the broader sense, equality means extending equal opportunities for members of
society.
 In today’s world, the issue of equality has gained huge political importance.
 The federal structure of government helps to address the problem of equality.
 People who are treated equally will be more inspired to do their part for nation building.
Lesson 2:The individual and the public interest
 Equality means treating people as equals regardless of sex, race, religion, culture,
 nationality, or occupation.
 Exercising your right to equality has limitations, as the use of your rights can be
 conditioned by your obligation to others.
 As expressed in the Constitution, you have freedom of speech and expressions; but
 your freedom of expression does not allow you to verbally abuse or insult others.
 Your personal interests are protected only to the extent that the interest of the
 public is not adversely affected.
 It is right to promote the individual interest so long as the outcome does not affect
 the common good.
  Public interests should precede individual rights.
Lesson 3: Gender issues and socially discrimination
 Gender issues, in the main, refer to determined patterns of behaviour in relation to rights,
duties, obligations and responsibilities assigned to females and males in society.
 The cultural differences in society shape how the different gender issues are viewed
and handled.
 The history of human society, for the most part, is marked by unfair treatment of women.
 In Ethiopia, most women were denied the same rights that men enjoyed.
 At present, women have the same legal rights as men.
 Empowering women means empowering society as a whole.
 The development of Ethiopia requires addressing the equality of disabled groups as much
as gender issues.
Lesson 4: The tendency to Negate unity in diversity
 Unity in diversity is all about the mutual existence of different cultural groups.
 A multicultural society exists in peace as long as all its members show mutual
respect for one another.
 Ethiopia is as different as its cultural and ethnic groups are different.
When we are united as a nation, we are strong, but if we lose what unites us, we will be
weak.
SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt the importance of equality manifesting itself in the political, economic,
social and cultural aspects. You have seen the need to treat the nations, nationalities and peoples of
Ethiopia as equals to preserve its unity, and achieve development to live a better life. It is important for
you to develop the capacity to treat males and females as equals. The development of Ethiopia can be
achieved when you support women’s empowerment in the country as a whole. You should help the
disabled and treat them as equals because they are citizens.
GLOSSARY
Affirmative action: Positive actions taken to address socially disfavoured groups in order
to compensate past injustices.
Disabled group: A group which comprises of individuals who are mentally or physical
impaired.
Equality: Is a political doctrine that rests on the belief that citizens of a country
should enjoy the same and equal rights in economic, political, social
and cultural areas.
Gender: Is a concept pertaining to the relationship between men and women.
Gender issues: Issues related to the relationship between men and women.
Individual rights: Is a political thinking that refers to rights that every individual enjoys
in society.
Socially discriminated groups: Are members of society who are discriminated against due to ethnic,
religious, sexual, cultural or physical disability or occupation.
Unity in diversity: Is the mutual existence of different cultural groups.
UNIT 4
Justice
Lesson 1: Fairness
Benefits are material or non-material advantages that are given to an individual or group.
Burdens are requirements or responsibilities undertaken in order to gain benefits.
Both benefits and burdens should be distributed and shouldered fairly.
Lesson 2: Analysis of equitability
Social services should be fairly distributed.
National resources are the wealth of all the nation.
Historically the distribution of social services and national resources were not fair in
Ethiopia.
Lesson 3:Components of the justice system
Courts make judgment after examining both sides of a case.
The judiciary system should be independent of all interference.
Conventional courts are established by the Constitution.
Traditional courts are those instruments of justice that are traditionally established by the
people and are different from place to place.
Lesson 4:The workings of the court
In the presence of a properly functioning judiciary the rights of individuals will be protected
In a society where there is no judicial protection of rights of individuals there cannot
be peace and stability.
The courts should be free of partisanship and stereotyping to make fair judgments.
Lesson 5:Fairness in taxation
Taxpayers have rights they could exercise with regards to the actions of the
government.
The primary and major duty of tax payers is to pay taxes.
Ability to pay principle says that payment of taxes should be based on people’s
capacity to pay.
Horizontal Equity principle says that people earning the same amount of income should pay
the same amount of tax.
Vertical Equity principle says that people who earn different amounts should be taxed
differently.
SUMMARY
In this unit, you have focused on many ideas regarding justice. You saw the meanings of
benefits and burdens and how they should be distributed fairly. You explored justice in the distribution
of social services and national resources. The components of the justice system, courts, laws and judges
were also discussed. You looked at the working of the courts and saw how they are essential for the
protection of human rights. Finally, you have seen the purpose and the principles of levying taxation.
GLOSSARY
Benefit: A service that supports those people in need.
Burden: The contribution of each individual in the achievement of something.
Court: An institution where the law is interpreted.
Judges: People who administer the courts.
National resources: The wealth of a nation.
Non-partisanship: Being free from political, racial, ethnic, religious or any other leanings.
Social services: Those services provided by the government for the benefit of the people.
Stereotyping: A combination of factual and fictional beliefs about a certain group.
UNIT 5
patriotism
Lesson 1:The bases of patriotism
A good knowledge of history helps us to understand the present, solve current
problems and develop patriotic feeling.
The major goal of a genuine historian is to get closer and closer to the truth; to
collect reliable data from different sources and interpret this data objectively.
You get good values from true history; exaggerated and falsified history influences us to
develop negative and biased attitudes.
The present flag in green, yellow and red probably became the national flag of
Ethiopia during the time of Empress Zewditu Menelik in 1918.
The 1955 Constitution recognized, for the first time, the present colours of the
Ethiopian flag.
You have to use your knowledge of the past to understand differences and to treat people
with tolerance.
Lesson 2:Responsibilities required from patriotic citizens
Patriotic citizens have many responsibilities including working for the well-being of their
community and promoting the interest of their country.
Our everyday activities involve ethical decisions because we assess what is right and wrong
before we take action.
Sometimes our private interests and the common good come into conflict.
As patriotic citizens you are responsible to promote the public interest, serve your
community and contribute to the development of democracy in your country.
Lesson 3:Issues of development
Development can be defined as growth or change from poverty into more advanced and
better living conditions.
Indicators of poverty help you to understand universal indicators of development.
The Millennium Development Goals focus on eradicating poverty; reducing infant mortality,
increasing the incomes of poor people and providing a primary education for all.
Though Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, it is not poor in natural
resources such as rivers, wide areas of cultivable land, a large amount of livestock wealth
and tourist attractions.
Lesson 4:Voluntarism on a national basis
Voluntarism is contributing one’s time or talent to help others in the community and to
promote the national interest without regard for compensation.
Though voluntary services can be provided on individual basis, in most cases people
with similar purposes form or join voluntary organizations to achieve their common goals.
 Volunteers contribute to the well-being of others at different levels: local, national and
international.
A patriotic citizen participates in voluntary activities to promote the interest of her/his
country by defending sovereignty, promoting development and defending the rights of
citizens enshrined in the Constitution.
SUMMARY
A good knowledge of history helps us to understand and solve current problems and develop
patriotic feelings. Citizens have a responsibility to work to promote the interests of their country. You
have to know that our actions and decisions are related to ethical questions because we assess what is
right and wrong before we do something. We are responsible for promoting the public interest but
sometimes our personal interests and the common good come into conflict.
Promoting development is one of the main responsibilities of patriotic citizens. There are
universal indicators of development. Some of them are income level, average life expectancy, infant
mortality and literacy rates. The Millennium Development Goals include reducing infant mortality
rates, eradicating poverty and eradicating gender inequality in education. Though Ethiopia is one of the
poorest countries in the world, it is rich in natural resources such as rivers, wide areas of cultivable land,
livestock and tourist attractions. Volunteering is an important way of contributing for the development
of the country. People who share similar purposes form voluntary organizations to achieve common
goals. Volunteers contribute for the well-being of others at the local, national and international levels.
A patriotic citizen has a responsibility to promote the interests of their country, defend its sovereignty
and territorial integrity, promote its development, defend the Constitution and maintain domestic
peace.
GLOSSARY
Ethics: A system of accepted beliefs which control behaviour.
Historical account: A description of a historical event.
Infant mortality rate: The number of child deaths (under 5 years) within a particular country per
1000 live births.
Prejudice: The unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially often based on
a stereotype.
Primary sources: Sources which are first hand and more reliable sources of history.
Secondary sources: Sources which are not products of the period and place of a historical event.
UNIT 6
Responsibility
Lesson 1:Citizens obligations in society
Fulfilling obligations is the basis for social life.
You have to develop the culture of appreciating individual and group differences.
Every person living in society has some obligations to undertake.
In a democracy, citizens have the obligation to be active participants in the political life of
society.
Individuals and groups could develop conflict or misunderstanding, but the point is to be
able to solve it.
  Differences in opinions and viewpoints among individuals or groups could create an
opportunity to debate and get better ideas to understand each other better.
Citizens have an obligation to pay money to the government as tax.
Lesson 2:Responsibility for the consequences of ones own actions.
Promises are frequently kept and broken by people all over society.
Whether or not you keep the promise is up to you, there will be consequences
either way.
While living in society, there are many responsibilities that you have to fulfill.
During national elections, you have the responsibility, and at the same time the
right, to actively participate.
Failing to contribute to enhance democracy could give way to dictatorship.
If we behave in a responsible way then we are likely to be rewarded for our actions.
Failing to be responsible will often lead to a person missing out on future
opportunities.
The democratic process in the country can be strengthened when every citizen has a role to
play.
Lesson 3:Responsibility in respecting moral and legal obligations in Seciety
Social morality is built on the norms, values and ethical standards of society.
The legal system in any society is based on morality.
You have a moral obligation to respect the rights of individuals and groups.
You have the moral obligation to respect differences in people that exist in society.
Legal obligations means respecting the Constitution and other laws of the
country.
Lesson 4:Responsibility for protecting the Environment
The environment is the area that you live in and the natural world around you.
Our environment is the source of life and its very foundation.
It is the responsibility of every human being to protect the environment.
There are many ways to help protect the environment and we must be aware how to
improve things.
Preserving the cultural and historical heritage is important for attracting visitors and creating
pride in our history.
Lesson 5:Responsibility to Overcome wastage of Public property
You have a responsibility to protect public property from destruction.
As a student, your part in caring for public property starts with taking care of school
property.
Legal punishment is enforced on those who destroy and misuse public property.
Public property is land or buildings used by citizens.
You should have pride in protecting your surroundings.
Lesson 6:Responsible behavior against HIV/AIDS
There are different viewpoints surrounding the rise and development of HIV/AIDS.
It is difficult to determine how, where and when AIDS and HIV started in the world.
HIV is a virus which leads people to die from AIDS related illness.
 Unless people throughout the world develop the awareness to stop it, the disease is going
to be a serious threat to the very existence of the human species.
At present, more than 10,000 new infections take place in the world everyday.
 HIV/AIDS poses a serious health problem because it attacks the most active section of the
population.
The illness first came to be known in the early 1980’s in the USA.
SUMMARY
In this unit, you learnt about the obligations you have in society. You have realized that you
have many
responsibilities. When failing your responsibility as a citizen, you will face many problems. You are
taught
that your responsibility extends to include protecting your environment and historical heritages.
Protecting
public property and playing a role to combat HIV/AIDS are part of the responsibilities you have. Fulfilling
your responsibilities gives you the freedom to use your rights.
GLOSSARY
Citizens obligations: The range of obligations that citizens of a country have.
Environmental responsibility: The responsibility people have to protect the environment they live
in.
Environmentalist: One who is actively engaged to protect the environment.
Legal obligations: The obligations citizens have as required in the legal system of a
country.
Moral obligations: The obligations individuals have related to the moral requirements of
a society.
Taxes: The revenue that government collects from citizens who earn some income.
UNIT 7
industriousness
Lesson 1:Respect for work
There are different types of professions.
 All types of work should be respected.
 Hard work is the only respectable and legal way to earn income.
Lesson 2:Ethical work conduct
Labour discipline is a very important part of work ethics.
Punctuality and proper use of instruments of labour are also essential in increasing work
efficiency.
 It is important to maintain a good working relationship with co-workers.
Lesson 3:Hard work and development
Hard work can help reduce poverty.
Hard work also results in development.
Hard work also helps you to become more creative.
Hard work is not enough, we need to be educated and skilled in order to move
towards development.
Lesson 4:Policies and strategies for Development
The Economic Policy states the main direction of the economy.
The specific ways through which the policy is implemented are called strategies.
The Ethiopian government has devised different policies and strategies that it believes will
help the development of the country.

UNIT 8
self-reliance
Lesson 1:Attributes of self-reliance
Rightful perception includes recognition of our personality, strengths and weaknesses,
likes and dislikes. The better you understand yourself, the better you are able to accept and
develop yourself as a person.
Assertiveness is standing up for your right to be treated fairly. It is expressing your
opinions, needs, and feelings, without ignoring or hurting the opinions, needs and feelings
of others.
An independent life is one that is lived at a pace and in a place of your own choice.
Self-confidence is trust in oneself and one’s competence that results in a high level of
security.
Lesson 2:Dependency and its consequences
Developing countries are highly dependent on rich nations and international
organizations.
Dependency results in risks to public welfare and leads to interference from outside.
Dependency will also lead to a tendency to work for the will of others, which results in
backwardness, stagnation of the economy and social welfare in developing nations.
Lesson 3:Self reliance and decision making
Decision-making involves identifying and choosing alternatives based on the
values and preferences of the decision maker.
Sufficiently reducing uncertainty and doubt about alternatives will allow a reasonable
choice to be made.
Every decision involves a certain amount of risk but it can be reduced.
It is better to take a risk than not make any decision at all.
SUMMARY
Rightful perception includes recognition of our personality, strengths and weaknesses. The better
you
understand yourself, the better you are able to accept or change who you are. Assertiveness means
standing
up for your right to be treated fairly. It is about expressing your opinions, needs and feelings,
without
hurting others. An independent life is one that is lived at a pace and in a place of your own choice. Self-
confidence is trust in oneself and one’s competence which results in a high level of security.
Developing countries are highly dependent on rich nations and international organizations. This results
in a risk to public welfare and being susceptible to interference from outside. It also results in a
tendency
to work for the will of others, which results in backwardness, stagnation of the economy and social
welfare
in developing nations.
Decision-making is about identifying and choosing alternatives based on the values and preferences of
the decision maker. Sufficiently reducing uncertainty and doubt about alternatives will allow a
reasonable
choice to be made. Every decision involves a certain amount of risk but it can be reduced. It is better to
take
a risk than not make any decision at all.
GLOSSARY
Assertiveness: The quality of behaving confidently and without being frightened to say
what is wanted or believed.
Flexibility: Is being able to change one’s mind or decision according to situations.
National development: The economic, cultural and social development of a country.
Public welfare: The well-being of the people in general rather than being limited to a
particular individual or group of people.
Rational decision: A decision based on reason rather than emotion.
Rightful perception: A belief or opinion based on facts and evidence.
UNIT 9
Saving
Lesson 1:The need for new thinking in saving
We should buy more locally produced products.
Avoidance of wastage while producing and consuming is important.
Lesson 2:Ways of iproving the habit of saving
It is important to develop the habit of saving.
It is possible to develop the habit of saving by avoiding extravagance.
It is possible to develop the habit of saving by limiting our interests to the level of our
earnings.
Lesson 3:Traditional and modern institutions of saving in Ethiopia.
There are both traditional and modern institutions of saving.
Traditional saving institutions vary in different places.
Traditional saving institutions in Ethiopia include Equb and Iddir.
Modern institutions of saving include banks and insurance companies.
Lesson 4:Saving as an instrument of investment and development
Saving is very important for the accumulation of capital.
Capital accumulation is very important for development.
There are also international financial institutions that are involved in providing
financial resources for less developed countries.
SUMMARY
In this unit, you have seen many dimensions of saving. You have discussed the need for a new thinking
regarding saving by using local products where possible and becoming more efficient in consumption
and production. The ways to improve your saving habit by avoiding wastages and limiting one’s
interests to one’s income has been explored. We have examined traditional and modern
institutions of saving, with their similarities and differences. Finally you looked at the importance
of saving with respect to capital accumulation and development.
GLOSSARY
Banks: An institution that keeps people’s money and gives out loans.
Capital accumulation: The accumulation of financial resources for investment.
Depositor: A person or institution who keeps money in a bank.
Deposit: Money kept in the bank.
Equb: The traditional institutions that serve as forced saving instruments.
Iddir: The traditional saving institutions that give services in case of
emergencies.
Insurance: The institutions that cover risk against accidents.
UNIT 10 d
active community participation
UNIT 11
Civic participation
Lesson 1:Civic participation
Civil associations are interested in cooperating and working together to promote the
common good and welfare of the people.
Participating in civil society can be done voluntarily to enhance social development and
support the democratic process.
Through civil societies, citizens can exercise their rights of participation in a
democratic system.
Commitment and dedication mean having the strength to maintain an effort to
achieve certain goals.
Lesson 2:Monitoring and influencing actions of government bodies
Community participation requires the active involvement of citizens in social, economic
and political spheres at all levels.
Political participation is active participation whereby citizens make their voices heard
and get involved in political issues.
Political parties’ positions on different matters will be known during an election campaign.
Demonstrations are public displays by groups showing approval, sympathy or
disapproval towards a cause.
SUMMARY
Community participation is one of the key ingredients to an empowered community and is a
condition
for success. Studies have documented that communities that engage their citizens and partners
fully in
the work of the community, raise more resources, achieve more results and develop in a more holistic,
and
ultimately, more beneficial way. Community participation is crucial to community success.
Community participation requires the active involvement of citizens in the social, economic and
political
spheres at all levels. One example of community participation is political participation, by which citizens
make their voices heard and get involved in political issues.
Apart from political participation, citizens can engage in civic participation. Civil actions are
outside
politics, religion, military etc. Civil associations do not have any other interest than cooperating and
working
to promote the common good and welfare of the people. Civil societies are formed by the free will of
their
members. Participating in civil society can be performed voluntarily to enhance social
development and
support the democratic process.
Finally, it is important to understand that public or civic participation has to be in the
framework of
the Constitution and law of the land. Without respecting these, public participation would not work. This
is because the Constitution and laws of the land set boundaries to make public participation peaceful
and
successful.
GLOSSARY
Civic participation: Civil actions outside politics, church, military etc.
Election campaign: Vote-seeking activities.
Peaceful demonstration: A gathering of people to protest, support or create awareness of an issue.
Political Participation: Involvement in political issues.
UNIT 12
The pursuit of wisdom
Lesson 1:The signigicance of knowledge
Humans have a natural tendency to want to know more about nature.
Knowledge has given humans power on earth.
When you make effort to get more knowledge, you will then become more
reasonable and objective in judgment.
 Humans’ desire for knowledge is expressed through an interest to know more about
their surroundings.
Lesson 2:Knowledge and data
Knowledge is the outcome of analysis of relevant data and information.
Knowledge is the sum total of what has been perceived, discovered or inferred.
Relevant data gives rise to relevant conclusions.
Data are facts or figures obtained from experience or surveys.
Information is knowledge acquired about a specific subject as a result of collected facts.
Lesson 3:Reading for more knowledge
One way of obtaining knowledge is through reading.
A great reader is a person who does not waste his/her time, but one who reads
continuously to get new knowledge.
When you read fiction you get pleasure and become more interested in reading.
The habit of reading starts when you are committed to read and make it a culture.
Lesson 4:Truth versus myth
Human knowledge is built on scientific facts.
Truth is the actual fact or information about something, rather than what people think, or
accept.
Myth can be defined as traditional cultural beliefs that are not based on empirical evidence.
Knowledge is truth about things in nature and society.
SUMMARY
In this unit, you have obtained knowledge on the pursuit of wisdom. The unit emphasized the
significance
of knowledge and the relationship between information and data. You have seen the importance of
reading
to acquire more knowledge. You have also seen that in society people use myths as a tool but
do not
necessarily believe them to be real.
GLOSSARY
Data: Facts or figures obtained from experience or surveys to make calculations and draw
conclusions.
Information: Knowledge acquired about a specific subject as a result of collected facts.
Myth: A belief related to tradition that is not based on empirical evidence and which some
people wrongly believe to be true.