Modern social and political thought can be distinguished from those of classical and medieval civilizations in numerous ways. These include (but are not limited to):
- A tendency toward science over religion in explaining the world;
- A trend toward individualism over community;
- A commitment to technological innovation over stability and security;
- A preference for freedom over authority;
- An emphasis on reason over faith in making decisions;
- A growth in political democracy over authoritarianism;
- A decline in self-interest over family values;
- An expectation that capitalism is preferable to a regulated economy.
Some of these tendencies can be easily observed in Canada and other modern societies.
Others are less obvious show less obvious trends.
Some even seem to be going in reverse.
Select any two of the following propositions and construct an argument in which you:
Explain why, in your opinion, modernization has been proceeding as expected… or not. (For example, recent events have witnessed a profound commitment to religion as a factor in the current hostilities in Israel/Palestine, in India, and in Christian “fundamentalism” in the USA, Likewise, certain ostensibly modern countries such as Argentina, Hungary, Italy, Poland, etc., have recently elected “extreme” governments that are said to pose a threat to “democracy.” Meanwhile, science is being regularly attacked by climate-change deniers, anti-vaxxers, etc., and the ability of the “free market” capitalist economy to solve contemporary problems such as inflation, inequity, and so on is being severely questioned. What do you think about these or related questions.
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Each essay should be about 1,250 words in length. You may draw upon your own experience and observations if you choose.
There are obviously no “right” or “wrong” answers. You will be judged on the empirical* plausibility** and the logical coherence*** of your argument.
There is no rubric to follow just the price of freedom is responsibility. You are being asked to think for yourselves and to answer the questions as you see fit. Much of the assessment concerns how well you organize your thoughts. Much depends not on what, but on how you think.
* Empirical: based on evidence of what can be directly observed.
** Plausibility: something that seems possible to believe.
*** An argument that “makes sense” (e.g., is consistent and doesn’t contradict itself).
