ONE EXERCISE IN PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN:

Fairness is ...

1. Text: Lisa Manual p. 197 Teacher demonstrates the flaw in the definition: "Fairness is equal treatment."

2. Your definitions: Fairness is . . .

- both sides are even; everyone's the same (Xavier)

- not to be racist; it doesn't matter what colour you are (Keith)

- not being biased, not sexist (Frederico)

- what's decided by the adjudicator (Sam)

- you play teams of the same level of ability (Jeremy)

- allow everyone their rights (Chris)

- "being honest or /in accordance with the rules" (OED)

3. Points raised in our discussion:

Is the $100 "poll tax" fair?

The Soviet system.

Are taxes fair? Is a % the fairer way of levying taxes?

Opportunities for study/work/benefits differ in society.

Australian ethical practices and government policies to ensure fairness, justice, social equity.

Initiative, incentives, and individual differences.

4. Your journal entry in response:

• Fairness is giving every human being equal rights to anything and everything. (Peter)
• Fairness is you get what you deserve (Simon)
• Fairness is equal treatment (Cameron)
• Fairness is not being biased towards one particular group or individual. (Shomit)
• Fairness is equality for everyone (Xavier)
• Fairness is when everyone is equal (Nicholas)
• What's fair and what's right aren't the same.

5. Make responses to the various answers then hand up the sheet in the period:

"Fairness is ... :

giving the same to everyone

each one getting what he or she wants

each one getting what he or she needs (even though they don't ask for it)

sharing what you have in common; no one owns it all or any single share

only an ideal; greed always wins - it is impossible to achieve

what a judge or referee does: balances needs against wants

I now think fairness is ....