Social 30

Social 30 Introduction: What is philosophy and why could Social 30 be considered a philosophic course?What is Philosophy?Read attached (Prof. Sinnott-Armstrong)Your Parenting StyleWhat do you think of this?North Korean children playing guitar:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6f_XwMhMM (3:29)Amazing: 4 year-old boy plays piano better than mosthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w30TFlJiRKA (3:54)

Article: Why Chinese Mothers are Superior(The Wall Street Journal Jan. 06, 2011)

Tiger Mother Defends Strategyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaFuR1DTQBI (4:20)

What is the North American spin on tiger parenting?After seeing these examples, would you amend your personal parenting philosophy?

Values, Beliefs and AttitudesOur practices are influenced by what we value, what we believe, and our attitudes.

Handout: Values, Beliefs and Attitudes

What would YOU do??Suppose you are the driver of a trolley car hurtling down the track at sixty miles an hour. Up ahead you see five workers standing on the track, tools in hand. You try to stop, but you cant. The brakes dont work. You feel desperate, because you know that if you crash into these workers, they will all die (lets assume you know that for sure).

Suddenly, you notice a side track, off to the right. There is a worker on that track, too but only one. You realize that you can turn the trolley car onto the side track, killing one worker, but sparing five.

What is the RIGHT thing to do?What would you do?How many of you would turn the trolley car onto the side track?How many would go straight ahead?What are your reasons?

Now consider another version.This time, you are not the driver, but an onlooker, standing on a bridge overlooking the track (this time, there is no side track). Down the track comes the trolley, and at the end of the track are five workers. You feel helpless to avert this disaster until you notice, standing next to you on the bridge, a large, overweight Asian man. You could push him off the bridge, onto the track, into the path of the oncoming trolley. He would die, but the five would be saved (he is heavy enough to stop the car; you are too small to be effective).

What is the RIGHT thing to do?What would you do?How many of you would push the overweight man off the bridge to save the five workers?How many of you would do nothing, and watch the five workers die?What happened to the principle of saving the five lives at the cost of one, in this case? What changed your mind?Differences?Most people answer that they would turn the trolley car to kill the one worker, saving five. Needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Most people answer that they would NOT push the overweight man off the bridge in order to save the five.WHY does the principle that seems right in the first case - to sacrifice one life to save five - seem wrong in the second?Reasons?Pushing the overweight man off the bridge is wrong because it is against his will. He didnt choose to be involved; he was just standing there.The same could be said for the person on the side track he didnt choose to sacrifice his life. You, as the driver, made that choice for him. Another reason might be that the workers knew that there was some risk involved with the job.How about the intention of the person making the decision?The driver of the trolley that turns onto the side track could defend his decision by pointing out that he didnt intend the death of any of the six workers.The same is true with pushing the man off the bridge: he doesnt have to die to serve the purpose you want. He could surviveIs it choice?If you were the single worker on the track, would you want the freedom to choose whether or not to sacrifice yourself for the other five workers?Should the man on the bridge have the freedom to choose to jump off the bridge and save the five workers? Should someone make that choice for him?

OR is it sometimes necessary for others to make the decisions on your behalf for the benefit of the majority?Foundation of this course:If you believe that an individual should have the freedom to choose, you lean toward:

LIBERTARIANISM

If you are one that believes that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or that decisions should be made so that the greatest good comes to the greatest number of people, you lean toward:

UTILITARIANISM

Ideology:Interpretation of history:

Structure of society:

Human nature:

Vision of future:

Can a Spaghetti Western be considered (a spoof-y) ideology? (Handout)The Good, the Bad and the Ugly full moviehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgC6mRLNbNI (~ first 20 min)

And what, then, about human nature?Are humans born good or evil? Or are we fully influenced by our surroundings?Adolf Eichmann: (1906-1962) I was following ordersSelf-proclaimed Jewish specialist; responsible for keeping the trains carrying Nazi prisoners running to complete the Final Solution. He helped choose where gas chamber sites would be at Auschwitz, approved the use of Zyklon-B, supervised exterminations and escaped to Argentina.When captured, he stated that he was just following orders, and asked, Why me..Why not the local policemen, thousands of them? They would have been shot if they had refused to round up the Jews for the death camps. Why not hang them for not wanting to be shot? Why me? Everybody killed the Jews.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De7_xyzCXcw

What about following orders?Stanley Milgram: The Milgram experiment Teacher/learner lab coat 15-450 VHow many kept going?Selfish needs government intervention? What about personal responsibility?Philip Zimbardo: Stanford Prison Experiment and Abu GhraibSituational psychologyThe Experiment trailerWhy is this relevant? Abu GhraibNuremburg trials: A, B/C.What do you do with a 19 year-old Nazi?Ethical Dilemmas Hard/Soft Determination and Free WillNature vs. nurtureBabies instinct are we, then, selfish? Does the government need to intervene?Water Nestle CEOZimbardos Stanford experiment power corrupts, so does the government need controls, too?

Hard Determinism:Environment, heredity, unconscious impulses, defense mechanisms, and other influences determine why people act the way they doTherefore: individuals are not responsible for their actionsThe question, then: how can be punish and imprison individuals if they are not responsible for their actions?The answer, from a hard determinist: justification comes in trying to influence their and others future behaviors

Soft Determinism:Belief: there are some aspects of determinism that are true; that does not rule out freedom and responsibility.We are determined and nonetheless still free. Further, when the individual is the cause of his/her actions, he/she is said to have acted freely.Passive self-determinism:Freedom = being able to do what one wants to do, without (external) coercion or interference by anyone else. What one wants is determined by external events (genetics, culture, upbringing), but as long as one is able to be consistent with the choices he/she makes, he/she is free.Acknowledges that all events (including human actions) have causes, but allows for free actions when caused by a persons choices rather than external factorsActive Self-DeterminationWe can ultimately choose independently of our culture and past conditioningWe can be self-aware and engage in critique of ourselvesAn individual can transcend/step outside of ourselves to reflect on what we have become, and decide whether we want to remain that way or not

This self-awareness makes us free and able to make new and creative decisions.

Sometimes, then, do we need freedom? Do we need government intervention to keep human selfishness in check? Is intervention always necessary or always bad? But dont forget the good:DQ Minnesota:http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/09/20/224417791/praise-pours-in-for-dairy-queen-manager-who-helped-blind-manCalgary $40 million lottery winner:http://globalnews.ca/news/1034841/40m-calgary-lotto-winner-says-hell-donate-all-money-to-foundation-for-charity/

Writing assignment: Human Nature and the Concept of Free WillWhy Governments ExistRead Ideologies 14-16: Introducing Government and your text pgs. 16-18.

Complete the handout: Why Governments ExistThese philosophers will be referred to throughout the course and you will be expected to refer to them on your Diploma.

APPLY your KNOWLEDGE:How would Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau respond to Japanese Canadian Internment in World War 2? Defend yourself by referring to specifics from each philosophy.IDEOLOGIES: Individualism (libertarianism; freedom (conservatism; classical liberalism))

versus

Collectivism (utilitarianism; control; intervention (liberalism; modern liberalism))Understandings of Individualism(Liberalism)R.I.P.E.S.C

Rule of lawIndividual rights and freedomsPrivate propertyEconomic freedomSelf-interestcompetitionEarly Understandings and DevelopmentAfter the Medieval Period (~476-1450) came the Renaissance (~1450-1600). (re-naissance; re-birth)During this time, individuality became more important.Influences from ancient Greek culture helped shape worldviews as people resisted the notion that they were stuck in a hierarchy ruled by GodNotion of human potential focused on:Strength, beauty, reason of individual humansProtestant Reformation (~1500-1650) also contributed to increased individualism by challenging the Catholic Church. Rule of Law:Individual rights and Freedoms:Include rights such as:Freedom of religion; association; right to life, liberty, security of personIn liberal democracies, and important right is the franchise, or right to vote Exceptions: text pg. 72-3

In Canada: CCRF ensures that rights/freedoms are protected; however, these rights can be limited by such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.There are laws that prohibit promotion of hatred/discrimination thus limiting freedom of expression.Ex: Keegstra, hate propagandaRule of Law Contd:Individual rights express to what degree individualism can be maintained, and to what extent an individual can live and direct their life according to their own desires.Strong individual rights protect a persons ability to conduct themselves in any way they see fit HOWEVER: the rights of others cannot be trampled in the process. Private Property:The first private property laws are said to have been established in 24 BC in Mesopotamia when the ruler, Urukagina, stated that no one could seize anothers property.Principle that no one can be denied the right to accumulate or trade valued items (that are not in the property of others)Includes the rights of:- use (allows any owner to utilize their property in any preferred manner, as long as it does not violatethe rights of those around them).-disposal (owner can discard/transfer ownershipto another)-income (right to use your property as a source of profit selling, leasing, renting).

Modern understandings of private property developed during the Enlightenment. They were at first only understood to apply to land, but later expanded to include other forms of physical possession and intellectual property (artistic works, inventions, etc.)Perceptions of land ownership have caused clashes.Ex: some Aboriginal groups believe that land is a shared gift from nature, and cannot be owned.Debates also arise re: intellectual property:ownership is often hard to determine and often not respected. Text pgs. 75-77:How does file sharing relate to individualism?Economic FreedomThe freedom to buy what you want and to sell your labor, idea, or product to whomever you would likeTen factors to consider:

In 2008: Canada was 10th on the list because the Canadian govt intervenes in the economy to create stability The economy in Canada is known as a welfare state due to modifications made after the Depression in the 1930s.Business FreedomsInvestment FreedomsTradeFiscal (tax)Degree of govt regulationmonetaryFinancialProperty rightsFrom corruptionlaborSelf-interest and CompetitionThat which is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it. Every one thinks chiefly of his own, hardly at all of the common interest; and only when he is himself concerned as an individual. - Aristotle

Self-interest/Competition:Decisions should be made free from govt controlIn laissez-faire economics:Govt should adopt a hands off policy when it comes to economic decisionsCompetition and profit motive find the most efficient and innovative means of productionIndividuals can best achieve their goals if they are allowed to have private ownership

Self-interest and Competition: Adam Smithbelieved: the economy will regulate itself if left alone (laissez-faire)Those that fail to compete fail to survive (profit motive)The invisible hand: working in your own self-interest will inadvertently benefit society; the market will solve all basic economic questionsIf people work to benefit themselves, competition among producers ensures that the best product will be made at the lowest price due to supply and demandIf consumers are sovereign, supply and demand will dictate the natural flow of the market.

Understandings of CollectivismE.P.C.C.C.A

Economic EqualityPublic propertyCollective responsibilityCollective interestCo-operationAdherence to collective normsEarly DevelopmentDuring the Medieval Period (~476-1450) society was rigidly hierarchical. Individual worth wasnt worth much.Man was part of a collective under God, and was ruled by God and members of His hierarchyFocus of society:The afterlife (Instead of beauty/creativity in this world)

Basic UnderstandingsStresses human interdependence and importance of a collective, regardless of size, rather than importance of the individual.Considers the well-being of the community at the expense of the individual (ex: smoking bans)Indigenous peoples such as some Aboriginal peoples in Canada describe traditional culture as having a strong sense of the collective.

Economic EqualityBased on any of the following:People with larger incomes pay more taxes (progressive taxation)All people earn same wages for work of similar valueGuaranteed annual income (GAI)All people share in the wealth of the country/worldOwn the means of production collectivelyNo private property; thus, all things should be free

Different countries adopt different amounts of economic equality.For some: all have exactly the same everything. For others: all have access to basic necessitiesStill others: all have reasonable standard of livingAnd others: reject the principal entirely.

Public PropertyLand, capital industries, etc. are state-owned (usually), and managed according to the best interests of the collective.

The public property concept is also present to a lesser extent in liberal democracies like Canada. Parks, schools, roads, libraries, Crown land, Crown corporations (Via Rail, CBC, the post office) are all maintained with public money raised via taxation. Marx on PropertyMoved by problems of Industrial RevolutionDid not believe in gradual change; rather, in revolutionWorkers (proletariat) must replace ruling class (bourgeoisie) through revolutionBourgeoisie exploited workers by forcing them to create goods and services with greater value than wage received.Therefore: necessary to abolish private property and profit motiveIndividual differences will still exist, but no one could amass huge wealth while others were impoverishedEqual opportunity (classless society)Surplus goods negate crime and greed

Father of Communism; author of Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto (With Engels). Motto: from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.Collective ResponsibilityHolding the whole group responsible for the actions of the individuals within the group makes for group accountabilityOften made in response to deep-rooted social problems that cannot be addressed by targeting an individualCan also be used as a punitive measure (particularly in authoritarian govts) to ensure that citizens obey. ex: one member of a family speaks out against govt, and entire family or neighborhood is punishedCollective InterestA set of interests that the group has in commonLabor unions, human rights groups, social programs, lobby groups, etc.Aboriginal groups of Canada have a collective interest for their nations. Francophones, esp. in Quebec; etc.Some of these are found not in a communist system, but in democratic societies where there has been exploitation and society is trying to right this wrong.

Co-operationIn early society: necessary for survival!Meant to ensure that members achieve better results more effectivelyThe means through which members achieve their goalsRoles, quotas, protocols, decision-making, etc.Not always consensualMilitary, prison, school; at times, through govt controls, co-operation may be enforced through the threat of punishment/sanctionsAdherence to Collective NormsImposed as a condition of membershipRelate to values, conditions, conduct, or appearanceUsually bindingTrade unions, faith groups, professional groupsCensorship can be used to impose/protect norms

Introduction Part 2: Origins of LiberalismThe only part of the conduct of anyone for which he is amenable to society is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.-John Stuart MillLiberalism comes from Latin liber (free)First used in Spain during Napoleonic WarsHas been applied to people who favor government reformIs associated with being open-minded and supporting of freedom of speech, and freedom within action.Basic principles: (know these)PERSONAL FREEDOM:Absence of coercion. Includes free speech, religious liberty, right to private property, right to political opposition

EQUALITY OF RIGHT:All must abide by same laws, enforced impartially by govt (similar to Rule of Law)

LIMITED GOVERNMENT:State is an instrument serving a function within society; not in charge of all society in generalIs there to prevent people from using force/fraud

CONSENT OF GOVERNED:Govt is responsible to people; may be changed by them.

Classical Liberalism:John LockeEnglish philosopherFirst to argue that individuals have right to life, liberty, propertyGovt comes about through agreement of free individuals that their rights are best protected by associating with one anotherIf contract is broken, people can rebelJustified Englands Glorious Revolution (1688) American Revolution (1776) and French Revolution (1789)People should have a private sphere that government cannot interfere with religion in particular. The state should be tolerant of all religions.

American Declaration of IndependenceSchool House Rock Declaration of Independence, 1776http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHp7sMqPL0g

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted by men, deriving their just owners from the consent of the governed

French Revolution Declaration of the Rights of Man

The National Assembly also took to Lockes ideas, putting them down into their Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

The end of all political associations is the preservation of the natural and imprescriptable rights of man; and these rights are liberty, property, security , and the resistance of oppression.

Supports the idea for rule of lawJohn Stuart Mill

English; born in London, 1806.Book: On LibertyPut together many themes on liberalism

His ideas impacted many subsequent leaders, including Teddy Roosevelt (Pres. 1901-9)President Theodore Roosevelt on Liberty (1:07)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYn5FJnvrZkMills on liberty and the use of power:The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over an member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.

Classical Liberalism and EconomicsClassical liberalism: free-market economy

free-market economy Adam Smiths ideaSmith wrote The Wealth of Nations

Human needs are best served by free competition in the marketplace the invisible hand. Along the same lines as liberalism . Aboriginal ContributionsIt has been argued that many principles of liberalism originated in traditional Aboriginal societies.

In Canada:Aboriginal communities use liberal ideas (elected leaders, government by consensus, leadership on merit, just punishment, equality, equality before the law)

The Great Law of PeaceThe Great Law of PeaceHaudenosaunee constitutionDates back to 15th century

Three main principles:RighteousnessHealthPowerAll characteristics of liberalism

History of Great Law and Original document:http://www.historyandtheheadlines.abc-clio.com/ContentPages/ContentPage.aspx?entryId=1171741&currentSection=1161468&productid=5

http://www.iroquoisdemocracy.pdx.edu/html/greatlaw.html

Liberalism TodayGenerally, believe that every individual is uniquePurpose of life: to realize that potential, and become whatever an individual is capable of Role of state (government): produce the conditions under which individuals have the most broadly possible choice to decide upon their definition of goodSociety: should celebrate diversity while giving equal treatment to all, regardless of origin, color, sex, statusIn exchange for respect: individual must acknowledge responsibility for his/her own fortune and that of the communityLiberalism in Canada1982:Canadas constitution is patriatedCCRF entrenched basic liberties and new linguistic rights Purpose of CCRF: to entrench these rights, especially language rights, so no government can take them away

Under the CCRF, a single citizen can achieve Lockes vision where rights take precedence over authority