Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Wednesday, September 21

Starter 9.21: America loves satire!!! Watch this video and respond:

  • What liberal and conservative perspectives are being spoofed in this video?  Explain some of the perspectives being satirized, referring to specifics from both sides of the political aisle. 



What would a liberal/conservative say about __________?
  • Line-up in two even lines (one liberal, one conservative).  You shouldn’t necessarily be in the line that you yourself agree with (although many of you will be). 
  • Review issues from T-chart, taking turns making points and counterpoints on each issue. 
  • What questions do we have?



The Political Compass: Social Scale AND Economic Scale

(Social) Authoritarian (more law and order) vs Libertarian (more individual freedom)

  • How much should the government legislate morality and personal behavior?
  • How free should we be?


(Economic) “Right” vs “Left

  • What is capitalism? What is communism? What is socialism?
  • What are "free markets"?
  • How involved should the government be in regulating the economy?
  • How much (and what) should we own collectively v. privately?
  • What should government (collect taxes to) provide and ensure?


TWO DIFFERING VIEWS OF HUMAN SOCIETY:
  • Karl Marx: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.”
    • Collaborative view of human nature
  • Adam Smith: “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”· 
    • Competitive view of human nature