Social dilemmas

Understanding Social Dilemmas in Spanish

This lesson explores the topic of social dilemmas, focusing on vocabulary, expressions, and sentence structures used to discuss conflicts between individual interests and the common good. At the B2 level, you will deepen your ability to analyze and talk about complex societal issues in Spanish with clarity and nuance.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

• El dilema social – social dilemma
• Interés individual – individual interest
• Bien común – common good
• Cooperar – to cooperate
• Conflicto – conflict
• Consecuencias – consequences
• Responsabilidad colectiva – collective responsibility
• Tomar decisiones – to make decisions
• Resolver un problema – to solve a problem

Example Sentences

• En un dilema social, a veces el interés individual choca con el bien común. (In a social dilemma, sometimes individual interests clash with the common good.)
• Es importante cooperar para evitar consecuencias negativas. (It is important to cooperate to avoid negative consequences.)
• La responsabilidad colectiva implica que todos tomemos decisiones conscientes. (Collective responsibility means that we all make conscious decisions.)

Content Highlights

This lesson offers explanations about how Spanish speakers express ideas related to social dilemmas, including how to use abstract nouns and verbs connected to cooperation, conflict, and responsibility. You will learn how to structure arguments and opinions effectively.

Differences Between English and Spanish

Unlike English, Spanish tends to use more nouns in abstract discussions, such as la cooperación (cooperation) instead of just the verb form. Also, Spanish often requires the use of the subjunctive mood when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or hypothetical situations related to social dilemmas. For example, Es necesario que todos cooperen (It is necessary that everyone cooperates) uses the subjunctive cooperen. Understanding when and how to use these moods is important to convey meaning accurately.

Useful Phrases for Discussing Social Issues

• ¿Cuál es el conflicto principal en esta situación? – What is the main conflict in this situation?
• Es fundamental considerar las consecuencias a largo plazo. – It is essential to consider long-term consequences.
• Debemos buscar una solución que beneficie a todos. – We must seek a solution that benefits everyone.
• ¿Cómo podemos colaborar para mejorar la situación? – How can we collaborate to improve the situation?

This structured summary prepares you to approach the exercises and practice sections (available after payment) with a solid foundation in both vocabulary and complex sentence use related to social dilemmas.