PhilosophyAdrian Barrett

Kingswinford U3A

Definition

Philosophynoun1.1.the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.2.2a theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behaviour.“don't expect anything and you won't be disappointed, that's my philosophy"

The Socratic method

or Socratic debate, is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates. It is a form of inquiry and discussion between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. It is a dialectical (the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions) method, often involving a discussion in which the defence of one point of view is questioned; one participant may lead another to contradict themselves in some way, thus weakening the defender's point.

Immigration – a hot topic.Definitions

Imigration:The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country

Refugeea person who flees for refuge or safety, especially to a foreign country, as in time of political upheaval, war, etc.

Some History

Source: Sunday Times 21/9/15

Source: Sunday Times 20/9/15

The Arab SpringThe Arab Spring revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests(both non-violent and violent), riots, and civil wars in the Arab world that began on 18 December 2010 in Tunisia....

By the end of February 2012, rulers had been forced from power in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen; civil uprisings had erupted in Bahrain and Syria;....

The protests shared some techniques of civil resistance in sustained campaigns involving strikes, demonstrations, marches, and rallies, as well as the effective use of social media....

Source: Wikipedia 11/9/2015

Syria - pop.22.85 million (2013)

Protests in Syria started on 26 January 2011, when a police officer assaulted a man in public at "Al-Hareeka Street" in old Damascus. The man was arrested right after the assault. As a result, protesters called for the freedom of the arrested man. Soon a "day of rage" was set for 4–5 February, but it was uneventful. On 6 March, the Syrian security forces arrested about 15 children in Daraa, in southern Syria, for writing slogans against the government. Soon protests erupted over the arrest and abuse of the children. Daraa was to be the first city to protest against theBa’aba’athist government, which has been ruling Syria since 1963... Source: Wikipeadia 17/9/2015

How do we know what we know?

The problem of how we can know the existence and nature of the world external to our mind is one of the oldest and most difficult in philosophy.

How do we get our knowledge?

Does the method influence our perception?

Has the growth in the Internet and mobile phones become a factor?

24/7 News

TV News – does it broadcast what is visual and sensational?

Head or Heart?

Does it stop us thinking for ourselves?

“Don't let politicians and journalists do your thinking for you” - Alastair Bonnett- How to Argue

Refugees

Number of forcibly displaced worldwide: 59.5 million – UNHCR SEPT 2015

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.

Source: www.UNHCR.org 15/9/2015

Nation States – an outmoded concept?

Can we be told where we can and cannot go?

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTSAdopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 217A (III) of 10 December

1948

 15 We all have the right to belong to a country.

 23. Every grown up has the right to a job, to get a fair wage for their work, and to join a trade union

25. We all have the right to a good life, with enough food, clothing, housing, and healthcare. Mothers and children, people without work, old and disabled people all have the right to help

29. We have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms

What happens if you can no longer stay in your own country?

Why cant we just go into another country?

What are our moral obligations to refugees?

Nation States and Freedom of Movement

1951 Refugee Convention,

Countries that have ratified the Refugee Convention are obliged to protect refugees that are on their territory, in accordance with its terms.

A refugee has the right to be free from penalties pertaining to the illegality of their entry to or presence within a country, if it can be shown that they acted in good faith- that is, if the refugee believes that there was ample cause for their illegal entry/presence, i.e. to escape threats upon their life or freedom, and if they swiftly declare their presence. This right is protected in Article 31:

Source Wikipeadia 21/8/15

Michael Sandel

At 59, Michael Sandel, who is professor of government at Harvard, is probably the most popular political philosopher of his generation. His work has drawn plaudits across the globe and in British politics his admirers include Ed Miliband, David Willetts and John Cruddas. Three years ago, he was chosen to give the Reith lectures, which were also broadcast on Radio 4. Since then, his international renown has continued to grow. 

Video

Comments

Australian Approach

The 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees has created a system for providing protection to people at risk of persecution in their own countries. There are few countries willing to risk turning such people away. However it is unlikely than many governments would sign up to the Convention today

The Problem with the 1951 Refugee ConventionAustralian Government Research paper 5 2001

Social Policy Group

The Labor government reintroduced offshore processing in Nauru and Papua New Guinea (PNG) - a policy it had ended in 2008.The government pays outsourced contractors to operate and provide security at temporary detention camps for asylum seekers on the Pacific islands.It also reached a deal with PNG that any asylum seekers judged to be genuine refugees would be resettled in PNG, not Australia

Current Policy

Mr Abbott's government adopted Labor's policies and expanded them, introducing Operation Sovereign Borders, which put the military in control of asylum operations.Under this policy military vessels patrol Australian waters and intercept migrant boats, towing them back to Indonesia or sending asylum seekers back in inflatable dinghies or lifeboats.

Are the policies working?Mr Abbott says he is "absolutely and constantly" focused on stopping boats. Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said in July that there had been no new arrivals nor deaths at sea for 200 days.

Source BBC.co.uk 5/12/2014

Final Thoughts

Next Session

• Thursday October 29th 2.00pm