12. Contemporary Issues

Normative concepts

Abstract ideas difficult to define precisely.

Freedom

Absence of constraints on individual free will.

Justice

Fair treatment and distribution of resources.

State of Nature

Philosophical concept defining human existence without government.

Hobbes' Leviathan

All-powerful state constraining freedom for protection.

Locke's State

Government enabling cooperation and individual liberty.

Rousseau's View

Some constraints necessary for cooperation and peace.

Wollstonecraft's Perspective

Inclusion of oppressed groups essential for true freedom.

Violence (Galtung)

Influence reducing potential realizations of individuals.

Structural Violence

Policies harming specific groups within society.

Cultural Violence

Beliefs and practices that harm certain individuals.

Physical Coercion

Forced actions like slavery or imprisonment.

Psychological Coercion

Influences like media and culture restricting freedom.

Lukes' Three Faces of Power

Decision-making, non-decision-making, ideological control.

Systemic -isms

Prejudices like racism and sexism affecting freedom.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional discriminatory comments or actions.

Physical Incapacity

Disabilities limiting individual capabilities and freedoms.

Capabilities Model

Disability arises from environmental barriers, not individuals.

Mill's Harm Principle

Freedom restrictions for those lacking maturity.

Economic Impediments

Poverty and capitalism intersecting with systemic issues.

Positive Rights

Rights enabling actions, like education access.

Negative Rights

Rights preventing actions, like freedom from harm.

Canadian Charter of Rights

Document outlining rights and freedoms for Canadians.

Mill on Freedom of Speech

Silencing dissent robs society of truth.

Procedural Justice

Fairness in processes and opportunities.

Social Justice

Fairness in outcomes and resource distribution.

John Rawls' Original Position

Hypothetical scenario for determining fair justice principles.

Cosmopolitan Justice

Global perspective on justice beyond individual states.

Environmental Justice

Fair treatment regarding environmental impacts and policies.

Non-human Justice

Rights and welfare considerations for non-human entities.