1. Liberals, Conservatives and Moral Philosophy
Please Do Now:
Take the Ideological Survey

2. Essential Questions
To what extent am I liberal or conservative on matters of politics and economics?
What are the moral roots of liberal and conservative political philosophies?
Learning Goals:
I can explain several elements of my political beliefs in terms of how they align to others.
I understand some of the ways that these beliefs rest upon the foundations of my morality, and others.
I can discuss dystopic concepts in reference to contemporary political beliefs.

3. Agenda:
A little lecture on liberals vs. conservatives
Analyze your political philosophy survey
View an intriguing TED Talk on the roots of moral philosophy
Debrief
Consider your moral philosophy in light of your political views

4. If you responded to a conservative statement with “T” place a “C” in the last column.
If you responded to the same statement with an “F” place and “L” in the column.
1. C L 11. L 16. C 21. C
2. C L 12. L 17. C 22. L
3. C C 13. C 18. C 23. L
4. L C 14. C 19. L 24. C
5. C L 15. L 20. C 25. C

5. And you are… 21-25 Liberal responses Strong Liberal
Liberal responses Weak Liberal
Conservative responses Strong Conserv
Conservative responses Weak Conserv
of either responses Moderate

6. Economics LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE broader government involvement
Economic liberals favor
broader government involvement
in economic policymaking and
regulation of business.
Economic conservatives favor more
limited government involvement

7. Socio-Politics LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE
Social and political liberals favor more
limited government regulation of individual behavior.
Social and political conservatives favor
broader government regulation of individual behavior.

9. Voter Profiles
Jane: “I worked my way up from poverty to become the successful business owner I am today. I get frustrated when I think that my tax money goes to support people who won’t help themselves. I think part of the blame belongs with the media – they promote all the wrong values.”
Jim: “I really don’t care what other people do in their free time, as long as they don’t bother me. I sure don’t like it when the government tells me what to do with my money or in my own home – I’m certainly not going to turn around and do the same thing to my neighbors.”
Johnny: “I really worry about the state of the world today. It seems like more and more kids are growing up in poverty and there’s no one there to help them. I think we need to do more toward providing healthcare and education programs for our young people.”
Jamie: “These days, you can’t be too careful. I think we need to spend a lot more money on the national defense. I wish there was a police officer on every corner! The police could search my car all they want, since I don’t break the law. I also think the government should crack down on the media – their reporting gives our enemies an inside look at all our military preparations.”

10. Who’s Liberal?
I stand for loyalty, respect for authority, and sanctity
I stand for justice, compassion, and equality of opportunity

11. Who’s Conservative?
I secrete more skin moisture when I see disgusting images, such as a person eating worms
I prefer dogs who are empathetic, not subservient

13. Jonathan Haidt: The moral roots of liberals and conservatives