Exercise 5.5. – Perspectives on justice
Living Democracy » Textbooks » Teaching Democracy » Chapter 5 – Making justice work » Exercise 5.5. – Perspectives on justiceEducational objectives | The students understand that there can be different perspectives on issues of justice. The students develop an understanding of the balance between rights and duties. |
Resources | Sets of worksheets containing perspective A or B. |
Procedure
- One of the rights to be examined is chosen.
- The class divides into groups of four or six.
One half of each group receives sheet A, the other half sheet B.
Each subgroup prepares as many arguments as possible in defence of the statement figuring on their sheet. - The groups reunite. The members of subgroup A present their point of view to the members of subgroup B, who must listen attentively and take notes.
Then it is subgroup B’s turn.
The presentation of arguments may be followed by a period during which the members of the different subgroups ask each other questions. - Subgroups A and B exchange roles. They must not be informed in advance of this part of the exercise.
They are given a few minutes to reconsider their arguments. - The groups attempt to adopt a common position in writing on the problem under debate.
- Questions to consider:
- Which difficulties did you encounter in trying to reach a common position?
- Did the fact that you reversed roles make it easier or more difficult for you to agree on a common position?
Extension
The teacher (or students) find cases in which freedom of expression (or child labour) is a controversial subject.
- How can rights and duties be balanced?
- Are there duties – or rights – which impose limits on certain rights?
Information given in the media should be used for the case studies. The investigation could be extended to include other human rights, e.g. freedom of movement or the right of properry.
Materials
Perspective A: Freedom of expressionIn a fair society freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that should not be restricted. Consider the following points:
Perspective A: Child labourLaws against child labour should be strictly applied so that the right of children to play, to learn and to become healthy adults is protected. Consider the following points:
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Perspective B: Freedom of expression
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