Ethics [Thursday, March 1, 2012 1st period]

[sith_happened]

"Welcome back from your break," Anakin said, striding to the front of the class--where the students' desks had been pushed against the walls--to lean against the blackboard. "Today we move away from Kant and onto an American philosopher named John Rawls. He's a more modern philosopher, and the main tenet of Rawlsianism is that most reasonable principles of justice are those everyone would accept and agree to from a fair position. The question, naturally, then turns into 'what is a fair position' and his use of something called the 'veil of ignorance' that magically makes everyone unaware of their positions in society in order to determine if something is fair or not."

He pushed off of the wall and paced down the center of the room. "Rawls also argues that even meritocracy—a distributive system that rewards effort—doesn’t go far enough in leveling the playing field because those who are naturally gifted will always get ahead. Furthermore, says Rawls, the naturally gifted can’t claim much credit because their success often depends on factors as arbitrary as birth order or how you were raised as a child."

He waved his hand, indicating the students should form a line in the center of the classroom. "Today we'll conduct a little experiment in demonstrating privilege. Afterwards, I want you to discuss if such things matter in Fandom like they do back in your home universes, and if not, why not."

He reached for a piece of paper. "Let's begin."

Comments

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[sith_happened]

"If you attended a private school or summer camp prior to coming to Fandom, take one step forward."

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[ancientbschamp.livejournal.com]

Gabrielle considered counting her brief time at the Athens City Academy for the Performing Bards. It was an exclusive school and all, but . . . she'd only been there a couple of days before the Academy realized she'd never actually been admitted in the first place, and had bluffed her way in, and subsequently kicked her back out. Making friends and sticking around for two days didn't really count for the purposes of the exercise, so she stayed where she was again.

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[hurtingzeebo]

And once again, Sam didn't move.

Visiting Melanie at hers that one time didn't count.

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[withasword.livejournal.com]

Did The Order training count? It was hardly a summer camp, and though there was an educational element, anyone could become a squire providing they passed the entrance tests. No money required.

In the end, she chose to simply stay put.

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[iwishiwasbig.livejournal.com]

Bak to standing still. But from a slight position of privilege now!

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[ihavediabetes.livejournal.com]

Stacey had been a counselor-in-training, even. She stepped forward.

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[godofxbox]

Being a prisoner of war for an extended period of time didn't count, so Alex stayed where he was.

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[abitlowkey]

Oh, another easy one! Loki stayed where he was.

Re: Exercise in Privilege--7

[selfhelphero]

Billy hadn't gone to a private school, but he had gotten to go to some nice summer camps, so he took a step forward, trying not to notice how far away he was from some people.