The Power of Fairness – John Rawls
This engaging short course introduces students to the life and philosophy of John Rawls, focusing on his groundbreaking ideas about fairness and collective responsibility. Throughout the week, students will explore Rawls’ thought-provoking work through creative activities such as designing comic strips and developing school rules that promote fairness. By reflecting on their own communities, students will gain a deeper understanding of how fair decision-making can lead to a more inclusive and just world.
Goal 5: Gender Equality
100% Free Course
What is this Course About?
Join us as we dive into the world of John Rawls, a philosopher who believed that fairness should guide how we make decisions in society. The course begins with a video set in Iceland, where students will learn how democratic values align with Rawls’ concept of fairness. Students will then explore areas in their schools where equality may be lacking and develop strategies to improve fairness. Through interactive projects like creating posters and designing a comic strip, students will bring Rawls’ ideas to life and learn how to apply them to everyday situations.
Skills We Will Cover
- Philosophical Understanding: Explore Rawls’ ideas about fairness and collective responsibility.
- Creative Expression: Use Canva to design a comic strip that explains Rawls’ thought experiment.
- Critical Thinking: Identify areas in school where fairness can be improved and propose solutions.
- Collaboration: Work in groups to create school rules that promote inclusion and fairness.
- Problem-Solving: Develop strategies to make decision-making in schools more fair and inclusive.
- Personal Growth: Reflect on how fairness can improve relationships and create a more supportive environment.
What Will We Create?
Students will create a comic strip inspired by John Rawls’ thought experiment, using Canva to illustrate his ideas about fairness. They will also design a colourful poster featuring 4 new rules to promote equality and inclusivity at school, showcasing how Rawls’ ideas can create a fairer and more welcoming community.
Lesson Plans
Teachers will have access to detailed lesson plans aligned with the NSW curriculum, ensuring the course integrates smoothly into various subjects. These plans provide guidance to make the content accessible and engaging for students while encouraging creative thinking and real-world application of Rawls’ concepts.
Real-World Learning
This course encourages students to apply John Rawls’ principles of fairness in real-life situations. By examining school policies, community practices, and how decisions are made, students will reflect on how fairness can positively impact everyone. Through hands-on activities, they will develop a sense of responsibility to advocate for fairness and justice in their schools and communities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
