1st Edition
Seeking the Perfect World A Critical Discussion of Global Challenges for the Bright and Curious
Consider this book your invitation to the most exciting party of the century. We have invited you and some of the greatest minds of our species to dance, share cake, and ponder the age-old question: how can we make our world better? Seeking the Perfect World guides readers through thoughtful discussions of 21st century challenges while providing everything needed to critically engage with current events and personal dilemmas.
This book explores topics humans have discussed for centuries… and more recent developments. We discuss what is human nature, why humans go to war, international relations, education, animal rights, transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and more! Chapters introduce readers to different philosophies (and philosophers) and prompt nuanced reasoning via Socratic questions and thought experiments. Not only will this book enable readers to understand the complexities of some of the most pressing global challenges, but it will also provide a grounding on philosophical, sociological, and economic thinking and ideas.
Whether you are dipping your toes into philosophy for the first time, or you are a bright, curious teen seeking interesting conversations on the current events and global challenges, or a parent seeking ways to discuss difficult topics with your child -- this book will provide you with the language and strategies needed to understand your own views and feelings while engaging in civic discourse. Come chat with philosophers, challenge your critical thinking, and expand your understanding of our world: past, present, and future.
Part 1: Introducing the Party -- A time-travelling affair to do political philosophy 1: Time traveling to party with philosophers 2: What is political philosophy (or why you should read this book) 3: How to read this book 4: A quick note on utopias and dystopias Part 2: Excuse me, who are you? Starting the party with questions about identity and human nature 5: What do you want? Discussing the ideal life 6: What makes you, you? Discussing identity 7: Why do we go to war? Discussing human nature and international relations Part 3: Who said you could dance on the table? Questions about rules, contracts, rights, and wrongs. 8: Who should rule? Discussing the perfect government 9: How do you know that? Discussing the perfect education 10: Who owns what? Discussing ownership and reparations 11: Should humans be like geese? Discussing migration and citizenship Part 4: Should we eat a guest or 3-D print sushi? Questions about nature and technology 12: Should nature have rights? Discussing how humans relate to nature 13: Is having pets immoral? Discussing our favourite animals 14: Would you like to become a cyborg? Discussing transhumanism 15: Should we be afraid of AI? Discussing the future of technology Part 5: Justice as a parting gift,Questions about language, and beauty, and justice for the past and the future 16: How do you say knowledge? Questions of language, knowledge, and justice 17: Should the government pay for opera? Questions about art, beauty, and politics 18: Does the past affect the future? Questions about colonialism, knowledge, and justice 19: How can we build a just world? Questions about justice, diversity, and the future Part 6: Until we meet again 20: Conclusion
Biography
Karem Roitman, Ph.D. is a lecturer in political philosophy and global development for the Open University and a consultant and public speaker on education, creative leadership, diversity, and belonging. She is also Director of Thinkers Meet Up Ltd (TMU) which runs enrichment courses for gifted and 2e students. She has worked in education for over 20 years, teaching from Primary to Postgraduate students, and training hundreds of teachers around the world on project-based learning, and 21st century skills. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive, intercultural education and critical global citizenship.
