Transcript 02 Political Values

Human Nature
Political Left
 Basically good
 Since people are basically
good, the bad they do is
caused by external factors
such as poverty, culture,
media, racism, environment,
etc.
Political Right
 Neither good or bad; but
selfish
 Since human nature is selfish,
weak, violent and lazy,
internal factors such as
character development,
strong family values and
morals will help to battle
both inner and outer negative
influences.
The Role of Government
Political Left
Political Right
 Compassion
 Enforce Justice
 Give people in prison a
 Ensure people pay the full
second chance and let them
off early.
penalty for their crime.
What is the source of evil?
Political Left
Political Right
 Forces outside the person
 Forces within the person like
such as culture, poverty,
parents, media, etc.
the tendency for violence,
greed, and selfishness
What is the cause of criminal
violence?
Political Left
 TV violence, poverty,
handguns, government
cutbacks of social programs.
The inner city breeds crime.
Political Right
 Lack of moral values
 Most poor people don’t
commit crimes. Crime was
lowest during the Depression
and the rich break laws just
as often.
The main cause of murder
Political Left
 Guns
Political Right
 Lack of moral values
The cause of unwed mothers and
irresponsible fathers
Political Left
 Lack of condoms and sex
education
Political Right
 Lack of moral values from the
parents.
Greatest Fear
Political Left
 The Christian Right
Political Right
 Societal Decay
Morality
Political Left
Political Right
 It’s relative to the person,
 It’s universal. There is a right
their culture, and socioeconomic class.
and a wrong regardless of
culture.
Source of knowledge
Political Left
Political Right
 Secularism
 Religion
 More innocent people have
 The reason for war in our
history has been mostly due
to religious wars.
been slaughtered, tortured,
and killed in the 20th century
due to secular governments
like the Nazi’s and the
Communists than any other
ideology. Over 100,000,000
people died in Nazi Germany,
Stalin’s Russia, and Mao’s
China where there was no
freedom of religion.
Discover Your Values
• Research different political and social issues.
• When looking at an issue or a value, ask yourself,
“What effect will this choice have on others?
• Ask yourself, “What is right or wrong, as I understand
it?
• If everyone followed my example, what kind of world
would this become?
• What is your stand on legalizing drugs? Abortion?
Gay Marriage? Health Care? The Iraq and
Afghanistan War? Can torture ever be used?
Recommendations!
 Spend frequent time alone in reflective
thought or journal writing about personal
and social issues.
 Adopt an open attitude toward those whose
value systems differ from yours and develop
a willingness to test your own values.
 Use significant contacts with others who are
willing to challenge your values and beliefs.