Social Change

On matters of social change — good, bad, or indifferent

6-8. Ideal Negotiations Through Pragmatism (The Social Contract, Part 8)

In this final episode of the series, I ask what does ‘right’ look like in how we solve social problems and re-negotiate the social contract. What must we do once we decide to get people to come to the table? The short answer, as I reveal here, is rooted in classic pragmatism. Classic pragmatism, which is geared toward practical solutions to practical problems, and eschews theoretical or ideological approaches. But this is not easy to do, and it requires that we stop treating those we disagree with as enemies.

6-7. Ideal Engagements Among Collectives and Individuals (The Social Contract, Part 7)

I complete the list of principles for re-negotiating the Social Contract and setting the stage for what constitutes the idea conversation for solving a complex social issue. What are principles that suggest the ideal ways that collectives deal with other collectives in the environment? Or how individuals should deal with each other?

6-6. The Meaning of Duty, Responsibility, and Loyalty (The Social Contract, Part 6)

Along with the ideal collective that acts with justice, equality, and fairness comes the ideal member, one who fulfills the principles of duty, member responsibility, and loyalty — principles that leaders also must fulfill while setting proper conditions for their members.

6-5. The Meaning of Justice, Equality, and Fairness (The Social Contract, Part 5)

To resolve and efficiently and effectively renegotiate the social contract, we’ve got to find common ground. But we have to first change the way we react to things that we strongly disagree with. That begins with finding a language that sustains our emotional commitment to what we believe, but opens the door to shared interests with those we otherwise disagree with. I will explore one part of this common language associated with the ideal collective and how it benefits its members — through principles of justice, equality, and fairness.

6-4. On Stilting the Competition (The Social Contract, Part 4)

How does our assessment of how one “wins” drive us to throwing social competitions, and thus the social contract, out of balance? And even if the social contract is fixed, how can we prevent other forms of injustice from working their way in?

6-3. On Power and Communication (The Social Contract, Part 3)

This episode expands on the previous episode to explain the influences of power and communication over the competitive environment. What are the characteristics of the strategies used to shape such competition and what effects do they have on the social contract?

6-2. On Systems and the Competitive Environment (The Social Contract, Part 2)

Our focus on interpersonal relationships, though valid, is insufficient to overcome the problems in the social contract. We must also look at how we view competition and its role in societies and organizations.

6-1. On Social Contracts (The Social Contract, Part 1)

This is the first episode in a multi-part series about renegotiating the social contract we globally share to addressing inequality and spur dialogue between parties who present view each other as adversaries.

5-3. Could a New Co-Ed Sport Promote Gender Equality?

I argue that we need new co-ed sports designed to emphasize capabilities that men and women share equally while also being fun to watch

5-2. Is Anti-Professionalism on the Rise?

Professions and professionalism are both under pressure from within and externally — so how can we re-energize the spirit of professionalism?