WK2 Participation Part 2: Political Economy
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For this participation forum, we are watching two videos – the first is a TED talk, and the second an animated lecture. To access the links, right-click on them and open in a new tab/window, or copy and paste the URL into a new tab/window.
Be sure to review the rubric for this assignment, and pay attention to the word count.
1. Why We Shouldn’t Trust Markets With Our Civic Life by Michael Sandel.
Watch this video talk from philosopher Michael Sandel:
Answer these questions:
A. According to Sandel, why should we be concerned about moving toward a society in which everything is up for sale? What do you think of his answers for this?
B. Can you offer a counter-argument to Sandel? What benefits are there from having a society more rooted in market values? C. Sandel suggests we are not giving enough consideration to the moral or spiritual discussions we need to have about what should and should not be for sale. Why do you think it is difficult for us to have these discussions?
D. My wife says that if you commit a crime, but are able to avoid prison by paying a fine, what that really means is that only poor people have to go to jail for that crime. How does her point reflect what Sandel is talking about?
2. RSA Animate: Drive
Watch this animated lecture from RSA Animate:
RSA ANIMATE: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us (Links to an external site.)
Answer these questions:
A. What were the two most surprising or interesting points in the video for you? Explain.
B. According to the narrator, most jobs do not prioritize the three motivating factors discussed in the video. Is he correct? What might have to change about work in US for business to start prioritizing these factors?
