“Study the past if you would divine the future" Confucius
This workshop (developed in 3 classes) is aimed at experiencing first hand the task of setting a document for posterity, a list of foundational maxims outlined for the evolution of a just and equal society. The development will incur in 3 stages:
Workshop n. 1: each student will present 3 maxims which they consider necessary for the foundation of a just society. By similitudes (having pointed out similar aspects), they will congregate in small groups. Each small group will present between 3 to 5 maxims, based on unanimous approval (majoritarian policies are not allowed: the goal is to identify how mutual respect and compromise in social relations can be achieved). By similitudes (having pointed out similar aspects), the groups will congregate in 4 larger groups.
Workshop n. 2: enriched by the new readings they have been exposed to, each group will present up to 8 maxims (unanimous approval is required). After the presentations, each group will highlight the points in common with the other groups. These points will be written down.
Workshop n. 3: the entire class will compile together a collective document entitled “Social Foundations”, consisting of up to 10 maxims, as a result of the discussions and exchanges developed in Workshops 1 and 2.
Optional: volunteers may develop the document into printed copies / slide shows / acts / art pieces (see section “Extra-Activity” n. 3) Last class: the collective document will be presented before the end-of-class celebration. The works produced by the volunteers will be presented in teams and distributed (if printed).
EXAMPLE
This Booklet is the result of the workshop held during my Course on Ancient Philosophy "Social Foundations 1" in 2014 at the Program of Liberal Studies, NYU.