COMMUNITY THE COMMON GOOD REMEMBER THE BIG PICTURE

COMMUNITY & THE COMMON GOOD

REMEMBER THE BIG PICTURE. . . All ideas about how we govern a society come from… interpretations of HUMAN NATURE!!!

QUESTION 1: WHY DO HUMANS CHOOSE TO LIVE IN COMMUNITIES? -Basic necessities of life easier obtained together, rather than as one -Humans like other species are social animals So, living in communities is “Natural”

QUESTION 2: DEFINING THE COMMON GOOD THE COMMMON GOOD greatest good for greatest number It is a challenge to achieve the Common Good Why?

QUESTION 3: DEFINING SOCIAL TRADE OFF sacrifice your personal preferences for entire community. Voluntarily giving up personal preferences and likes to accommodate the needs of others. What are some examples?

LET’S TRY TO AGREE Ms. Singh is hungry. Let’s order a pizza! Everyone write down 3 items you would want on a pizza Write down 3 items you DO NOT want a pizza

QUESTION 4. CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY COMMUNITY? 1. Common identity, goal, purpose 2. People value the common good 3. People feel like they belong 4. People value responsibilities over rights 5. Safety 6. Conflict resolution process

GOAL: COMMON GOOD AND CIVIL SOCIETY Why do we have the Common Good? “Greatest Happiness for all” Civil society: caring society where human dignity is respected

WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES TO COMMUNITY LIVING AND ACHIEVING THE COMMON GOOD? Diversity of: opinions values + beliefs ideologies customs cultures

OTHER CHALLENGES TO THE COMMON GOOD Resources and Wealth Who holds real ‘power’ in society (ability to direct others to achieve what you want) in: School? Canada? Your family?

OTHER CHALLENGES TO COMMUNITY LIVING Who holds real ‘power’ (ability to direct others to achieve what you want)? Dominant culture-vs-minority culture What makes up the dominant culture? How might the dominant culture have an advantage over minorities?