Active learning ideas
Justice, Rights, and Equality examines how a society should distribute its 'stuff', wealth, opportunities, and rights. Students compare John Rawls' 'Justice as Fairness' (and his famous 'Veil of Ignorance') with Robert Nozick's 'Entitlement Theory' (which focuses on individual property rights). This topic is central to the Social and Political Philosophy strand (E2) and directly relates to debates about the Canadian welfare state.
Activity 01
Students must design a tax and healthcare system for a new country. However, they don't know their 'role' in that country yet (e.g., they could be a billionaire or a person with a disability). They must negotiate a system that is 'fair' regardless of where they land.
What is a just society?
Activity 02
A 'Wealth Tax' is proposed to fund universal basic income. One side argues from a Rawlsian perspective (helping the least advantaged), while the other argues from a Nozickian perspective (protecting the right to keep what you've earned).
How should wealth and resources be distributed?
Activity 03
Post different 'Rights' (e.g., 'Right to clean water,' 'Right to own a gun,' 'Right to free speech,' 'Right to a high-speed internet'). Students move around and categorize them as 'Negative Rights' (freedom from interference) or 'Positive Rights' (entitlement to a service).
Are human rights universal?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Justice is just 'everyone getting the exact same thing.'
This is 'Equality of Outcome.' Most philosophers focus on 'Equality of Opportunity' or 'Equity.' Using the 'Veil of Ignorance' simulation helps students see that a 'just' society might have inequalities, as long as they benefit the least advantaged (Rawls' Difference Principle).
Rights are 'natural' and have always existed.
Rights are a philosophical and legal construct. Peer-to-peer 'Right Sorting' activities help students see that different societies 'invent' and prioritize different rights based on their philosophical foundations.
Methods used in this brief
The State and Social Contract Theory
Students explore the origins and justification of political authority through the lens of social contract theorists like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. They will analyze the balance between individual liberty and state power.
8 methodologies
Civil Disobedience and Social Change
Students analyze the philosophical justifications for civil disobedience and rebellion against unjust laws. They will study historical examples to understand the moral duty of citizens in a democracy.
8 methodologies