Food Justice (2). The term before last we posed the question: Is there such a thing as Food Justice and what might it look like? Following on from that conversation we now explore some further aspects of the subject including how food gets from farm to fork and who are the players? We also ask questions about waste and some of the initiatives to create a sustainable global food supply. Importantly, we ask: What does the future for food look like? Please join us for the second part of this timely enquiry into this vital subject – after all, we are what we eat.
Each session will focus on a particular issue or event of the time, explore its background and circumstance, and consider human dignity, justice and the long view. Issues and topics will typically be taken from the latest Economist leader or the noisiest media frenzy. They will be pre-announced to allow for research and reflection that enrichens the class conversation.
Practice of dialectic will be encouraged, where the aim is for a truth that excludes no one, rather than winning an argument. Summary notes will follow each class, which can be a shared exercise. Anyone who has completed the five formal courses of Economics with Justice is welcome.
Reviving the economies of once-prosperous places. The material for this course will be mainly based on a recent book by Professor Paul Collier who has worked with governments and communities in many ‘left behind' places around the world. He draws on examples of what has worked well in addressing their problems and what hasn’t. We shall look at some of these.
We will continue our work on housing, with examples from Ireland, Western Australia, and the UK. We will also continue reviewing all references to Land, Housing, LVT and the Island Diagram in the course material for Economics with Justice Parts 1-5; the aim here is to fully understand what is said and to consider whether and how it might be refined. There will be the occasional diversion to world events or class interest.
The Power of Connection. Human agreement is a powerful thing. And all too rare.
We will explore the necessity for making connections, building networks of connection, and how it is done. We will examine the many ways in which people form groups to build or finance housing for themselves.
We will find out about the connections which must be made to facilitate sustainable ways of living and connecting to renewable energy.