tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10588046410544432632024-02-08T13:02:10.094+00:00Henry Tam: words & politicsWords enable ideas and sentiments to be shared, opening a gateway to thoughtful cooperation. Henry Tam’s ‘Question the Powerful’ project promotes political understanding and democratic action through a range of publications, guidance, and talks.Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-88078095151576593582023-06-16T10:10:00.000+01:002023-06-16T10:17:25.030+01:00Henry Tam: Political Philosophy & Policy AdviceDr. Henry Benedict Tam is a writer, educator and policy advisor who has published extensively on political ideas, government policies, and community empowerment. His writings set out how inclusive cooperation and democratic governance should be advanced: <br />
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<b>[1] Key Ideas</b> - <i>the Communitarian Case for Democracy & Cooperation</i> <br />
Ideas such as ‘freedom’, ‘cohesion’, ‘rights’, ‘responsibility’, ‘justice’, are used frequently to underpin foundational claims, even though they are often too vaguely expressed or distorted by flawed arguments. We cannot engage in fair and cogent examination of political arguments unless we clarify our use of key concepts.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">Time to Save Democracy: how to govern ourselves in the age of anti-politics</a></i></b>: sets out what democracy should entail; its relationships with civic cohesion, rational learning, and power distribution; and what needs to be done to ensure it can function effectively (“Compelling and challenging in its analysis of democracy” – Professor Diane Reay, University of Cambridge).<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communitarianism-New-Agenda-Politics-Citizenship/dp/0814782361"><b><i>Communitarianism: a new agenda for politics & citizenship</i></b></a>: sets out why inclusive communities need to be developed; the importance of cooperative enquiry, mutual responsibility, and citizen participation; and policy implications for the public, private, and third sectors (“an excellent statement of the communitarian approach to politics and citizenship” – Professor Desmond King, University of Oxford). [See also its companion volume, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progressive-Politics-Global-Age-Henry/dp/0745625797"><i>Progressive Politics in the Global Age</i></a>]<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862"><b><i>Responsibility & Personal Interactions</i></b></a>: sets out the interpersonal basis for establishing the criteria for determining when people should or should not be held responsible for their behaviour, and dispels fallacious arguments for responsibility denial. [See also its companion volume, <i>Punishment, Excuses, & Moral Development</i>)]<br />
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<b>[2] Historical Lessons</b> - <i>Learning from Past Development</i><br />
Conflicting interpretations of the past can lead to significant differences in what values and practices are regarded as worthy of being pursued today. To move forward, we need to understand how previous problems were actually overcome, how ideas adapted over time to changing circumstances, and what reform approaches succeeded or failed.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">Against Power Inequalities: a history of the progressive struggle</a></i></b>: provides a global history of the ideas and movements involved in tackling exploitation and oppression (“history retold as a panorama of struggle, hope and co-operation [by] a master storyteller” – Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK). <br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571">The Evolution of Communitarian Ideas: history, theory, and practice</a></i></b>: provides a scholarly account of how ideas for developing more cooperative and inclusive communities developed over the centuries (“above all a powerful history of ideas, of great importance to our polarized age” – Professor Amitai Etzioni, author of The New Golden Rule). [Forthcoming from Palgrave Macmillan]<br />
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<b>[3] Policy Advice</b> - <i>Guidance on State-Citizen Cooperation</i><br />
It is often suggested that what matters is what ‘works’ in practice. But what counts as ‘success’ or ‘benefits’? And what arrangements are more likely to secure them? Disagreement over what is to be done in the name of the public interest should be resolved with reference to the relevant experiences and evaluations.<br />
• <a href="https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whose-government-is-it"><b><i>Whose Government is it? the renewal of state-citizen cooperation</i></b></a>: brings together expert analyses and recommendations on how to empower citizens to have more informed and effective influence over public policies and practices (“instructive and inspiring to read … packed with insights for citizens and officials alike” – Peter Levine, Tufts University, US).<div>• <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/tomorrows-communities" target="_blank">Tomorrow's Communities: lessons for community based transformation in the age of global crises</a></i>: a collection of analyses and case examples by leading researchers and practitioners of how communities can be transformed through inclusive partnerships between citizens, state bodies, and community groups.</div><div>• <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whos-afraid-of-political-education" target="_blank">Who's Afraid of Political Education: the challenge to teach civic competence and democratic participation</a></i>: contributions by leading experts in the UK, US and Australia on why political ignorance must be tackled, and how effective strategies and techniques can be developed and applied to enhance democratic understanding and engagement.<br />
• <a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/together-we-can-resource-guide.html"><b><i>Together We Can</i></b></a>: brings together (a) resources developed under the national ‘Together We Can’ cross-government programme for civil renewal and community empowerment (2003-2010) [it was showcased as an exemplar at the 2008 international meeting of the Global Network of Government Innovators (USA)], and (b) publications relating to democratic engagement, public sector development, and deliberative participation. <br />
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<b>[4] Critical Reflections</b> - <i>How to Question the Powerful</i><br />
None of us should accept without question what we are told, but nor should we dismiss findings or rules arbitrarily. It is important to develop a critical mindset that is disposed to deliberate with others on an evidential basis in reaching conclusions as to what merit our assent.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CSYRF8H">What Should Citizens Believe? exploring the issues of truth, reason & society</a></i></b>: gives a general introduction to the challenge of resolving conflicting beliefs in society, and includes short essays to facilitate discussions about truth and reason in a democracy.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html">Political Literacy and Civic Thoughtfulness</a></i></b>: highlights the problem of political illiteracy, and how it can be tackled through the cultivation of civic thoughtfulness, using the 'Synetopia' framework in assessing the level of political aptitude and identifying key actions to be taken to attain improvements. <br />
• <b><i><a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/question-powerful-resource-guide.html">’Question the Powerful’ a resource guide</a></i></b>: lists a variety of resources for promoting objective reflections and discussions about social and political topics.<br />
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<b>[5] Alternative Futures</b> - <i>the ‘Once Upon a Con’ series of dystopian satires</i><br />
These novels depict disturbing social and political trends, highlight the power of rhetoric and misdirection, and explore what kinds of resistance and reform are urgently needed (see <a href="https://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/"><i>Once Upon a Con</i></a> for an overview):<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kuans-Wonderland-ebook/dp/B008144G9I"><b><i>Kuan’s Wonderland</i></b></a>: an allegorical novel about the mysterious realm of Shiyan, where a young boy is brought before the institution known as Plutopia. “Original and very engaging” (Fantasy Book Review); “an unmissable page-turner” (President, the Independent Publishers Guild). Recommended by the Equality Trust. <br />
(For more information, go to <a href="https://www.kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/kuans-wonderland-quick-guide.html">Kuan’s Wonderland: a quick guide</a>)<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitehall-through-Looking-Glass-Novel-ebook/dp/B00J3VRGEU"><b><i>Whitehall through the Looking Glass</i></b></a>: a satirical tale about how a group of powerful corporations known as the Consortium came to take over the government of Britain and America. “[A] timely reminder of the dangers of the rapidly-accelerating corporatisation of our political and economic life.” (F. O'Grady, General Secretary, TUC); “We need Tam's absurdist vision of Whitehall to help wake us all up” (S. Duffy, Director, Centre for Welfare Reform).<br />
(For more information, go to <a href="https://www.kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/whitehall-through-looking-glass-quick.html">Whitehall through the Looking Glass: a quick guide</a>)<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Gods-Henry-Tam-ebook/dp/B01FKF212O"><b><i>The Hunting of the Gods</i></b></a>: a saga set on a much transformed Earth where immortal rulers dictate terms to subjects who are brought up to fight against their foreign enemies until a resurrected stranger reveals to them the origins of the self-proclaimed gods. Questions are raised about microbotic technology, personal identity, and the widening gap between those who have a rich and prolonged life and those have nothing but insecurity.<br />
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--<br />
In addition to his wide range of writings on politics and society ('<a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/henry-tam-bibliography.html">HT: Bibliography</a>'), Henry Tam has led on many civic development initiatives through his work as Director, Forum for Youth Participation & Democracy (University of Cambridge); Head of Civil Renewal (Home Office, UK Government); Visiting Professor, Lifelong Learning (Birkbeck, University of London); and Director, Community Safety & Regeneration (Government Office, East of England). <br />
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He has been a guest speaker at the World Forum for Democracy (the Council of Europe); the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation (Harvard, USA); the Institute of Sociology (Warsaw, Poland); the Society for Applied Philosophy; the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics; the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies (Washington, USA); the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation (Ireland); the London Business School; the Oxford Centre for Advanced Study of the Social Sciences; Church Action on Poverty; South Place Ethical Society; UK’s National School of Government; and many other organisations. (For a list of the talks given, go to ‘<a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/the-qtp-question-powerful-talks-series.html">The QTP Talks Series</a>’)<br />
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--<br />
<b>ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION</b><br />
<br />
• Associate Fellow, the Crick Centre, University of Sheffield (2017-).<br />
• Affiliated Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge (2011-2015).<br />
• Visiting Professor, School of Lifelong Learning, Birkbeck, University of London (2008-2011).<br />
• Fellow, Globus Institute for Globalization and Sustainable Development, University of Tilburg, the Netherlands (2000-2008).<br />
• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Marketing (1993-2011)<br />
• Research Fellow, Centre for Citizenship Development, Anglia Polytechnic University (1992-1995).<br />
• Diploma in Public Relations & Marketing, CAM (Communication, Advertising & Marketing) Foundation (1988).<br />
• Ph.D in Philosophy, (Swire Scholar) the University of Hong Kong (1981-1984).<br />
• BA/MA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, (Neale Scholar) the Queen’s College, University of Oxford (1978-1981).<br />
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--<br />
Catch up with his political reflections on the <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/"><i>Question the Powerful</i></a> blog; and follow his tweets on current events via <a href="https://twitter.com/HenryBTam">@HenryBTam</a>.<br />
<br /></div>Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-13339971296723113482023-06-15T17:20:00.000+01:002023-06-16T10:37:04.270+01:00Henry Tam: Bibliography<b>List of Published Writings (1990 - present)</b><br />
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• <i><b><a href="https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whos-afraid-of-political-education">Who's Afriad of Political Education: the challenge to teach civic competence and democratic participation</a></b></i>, (Bristol: Policy Press, 2023)<br />
• <i><b><a href="https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/tomorrows-communities">Tomorrow's Communities: lessons in community based transformation in the age of global crises</a></b></i>, (Bristol: Policy Press, 2021)<br />
• <a href="https://www.betterway.network/is-real-power-sharing-possible-henry-tam">‘Is Real Power Sharing Possible?'</a>, A Better Way (April 2020)<br />
• ‘Communitarianism’ in <i>The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Relativism</i>, ed. by Martin Kusch (London: Routledge, 2020).<br />
• 'National government programmes: enabling communities to take action', in <i>Participation at 45˚: techniques for citizen-led change</i>, compiled by Colin Miller (Compass, 2020)<br />
• <i><b><a href="https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571">The Evolution of Communitarian Ideas: history, theory, & practice</a></b></i>, (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019)<br />
• <i><b><a href="https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whose-government-is-it">Whose Government is it? the renewal of state-citizen cooperation</a></b></i>, (Bristol: Bristol University Press, 2019)<br />
• ‘Democracy Endangered’, <i>RSA Journal</i> (autumn issue, 2018)<br />
• <a href="https://www.compassonline.org.uk/social-justice-needs-a-strong-vibrant-democracy-2/">‘Social Justice Needs a Vibrant Democracy’</a>, Compass, (28 Oct. 2018).<br />
• <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1548183105">What Should Citizens Believe? - exploring the issues of truth, reason, & society</a></b></i>, (Sheffield: Citizen Network, 2018) <br />
• ‘Lessons in Governance: China & the West’, <i>Inspires</i>, the magazine for Oxford Politics and International Relations alumni (2018).<br />
• ‘The Vote is Not Enough’, the Crick Centre (March 2018): <a href="http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/vote-not-enough/">http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/vote-not-enough/ </a><br />
• ‘3 critical steps we need to take to save democracy’, Policy Press Blog (March 2018): <a href="https://policypress.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/3-critical-steps-we-need-to-take-to-save-democracy/">https://policypress.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/3-critical-steps-we-need-to-take-to-save-democracy/</a> <br />
• ‘The Conservatives have turned universal suffrage into a contest for manipulation. Here’s what we must do’, openDemocracy, (February, 2018) <a href="https://www.opendemocracy.net/uk/henry-tam/conservatives-have-turned-universal-suffrage-into-contest-for-manipulation-here-s-what-">https://www.opendemocracy.net/uk/henry-tam/conservatives-have-turned-universal-suffrage-into-contest-for-manipulation-here-s-what-</a> <br />
• <i><b><a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">Time to Save Democracy: how to govern ourselves in the age of anti-politics</a></i></b>, (Bristol: Policy Press, 2018)<br />
• ‘<a href="http://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/362833-dont-give-up-on-democracy-just-yet">Don’t give up on democracy just yet</a>’, The Hill, US (December 2017). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/citizenship-and-civic-engagement-committee/citizenship-and-civic-engagement/written/69325.html">Citizenship & Civic Engagement</a>’, submission to House of Lords’ Select Committee (2017). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/categories/global-justice/civic-ethos.html">Five Reasons to teach the Civic Ethos</a>’, The Centre for Welfare Reform (2017). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.crickcentre.org/blog/four-lessons-power-inequalities/">Four Lessons on Power Inequalities</a>’, Bernard Crick Centre for Promoting the Public Understanding of Politics (June, 2017). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/type/pdfs/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html">Political Literacy and Civic Thoughtfulness</a>' (booklet), The Centre for Welfare Reform (The Need for Roots series), (2016).<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.bananawriters.com/drhenrytaminterview">Interview with a Political Writer</a>', Banana Writers' Insider Series (2016).<br />
• <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Gods-Henry-Tam-ebook/dp/B01FKF212O/">The Hunting of the Gods</a></b></i> (a novel) QTP: 2016.<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/authors/dr-henry-tam/synetopia-resource-distribution.html">Synetopia: Resource Distribution Revisited</a>’, The Centre for Welfare Reform, (March 2016)<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.civilservicecollege.org.uk/news-synetopia:-a-model-for-collaborative-leadership-182">Synetopia: A Model for Collaborative Leadership</a>’, Civil Service College, (March 2016)<br />
• ‘<a href="http://pub.lucidpress.com/WEAJanuary2016/#R8ouUtXdl9bH">Utopia, Dystopia, & Synetopia</a>’, WEA Eastern Newsletter (Jan 2016)<br />
• ‘<a href="https://www.opendemocracy.net/henry-tam/snide-prejudiced-tale-of-constitutional-shenanigans">Snide & Prejudiced: a tale of constitutional shenanigans</a>’, openDemocracy, (November 2015)<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/by-date/equality-and-the-governance-of-welfare.html">Equality and the Governance of Welfare</a>’, The Centre for Welfare Reform, (Sept 2015)<br />
• ‘<a href="https://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/henry-tam/communitarian-governance-public-education-challenge">Communitarian governance: a public education challenge</a>’, openDemocracy, (July 2015)<br />
• '<a href="https://blog.p2pfoundation.net/towards-an-open-cooperativist-development-agency-henry-tam/2015/03/04">Towards an Open Cooperativist Development Agency</a>’, P2P Foundation, (March 2015)<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/authors/dr-henry-tam/rethinking-national-security.html">Rethinking National Security</a>’, The Centre for Welfare Reform, (Feb 2015)<br />
• ‘'Communitarianism, sociology of', in James D. Wright (editor-in-chief), <i>International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences</i>, 2nd edition, Vol. 4. Pp.311-316 (Oxford: Elsevier, 2015). <br />
• <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">Against Power Inequalities: a history of the progressive struggle</a></b></i>, (new edition) Birkbeck: 2015.<br />
• ‘Labour for the ninety-nine percent’, in <i>The Orient</i> (The Official Newsletter of Chinese for Labour, February 2015. Vol 15).<br />
• ‘Leadership beyond Command & Control’, Civil Service College, (Nov 2014)<br />
• <a href="http://www.sample.innomof.com/node/16">‘Let’s Talk About Democracy’</a> in nED (the network for Education & Democracy): (August 2014). <br />
• ‘What would Whitehall be like in fifty years’ time?’ in <i><a href="http://www.civilservicecollege.org.uk/media/137151/_lr__despatches_vol_2.pdf">Despatches</a></i>, the Civil Service College newsletter (Vol.2 July 2014, p.2).<br />
• <a href="http://www.shoutoutuk.org/2014/05/08/whitehall-looking-glass-novel-expose-corporate-govt/">‘Whitehall through the Looking Glass: a novel exposé of corporate government’</a>, published interview in <i>Shout Out UK</i>, 8 May, 2014).<br />
• <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitehall-through-Looking-Glass-Novel-ebook/dp/B00J3VRGEU/">Whitehall through the Looking Glass</a></b></i> (a novel). QTP: 2014.<br />
• 'Communitarianism', in the <i>Encyclopedia of Action Research</i> (Sage Publications, 2014).<br />
• 'Progressive Lifelong Learning: pros and cons', NIACE Journal, 'Adult Learning', winter, 2013.<br />
• 'Cooperative Problem-Solving & Education’, <i>Forum</i> journal, Volume 55 Number 2 2013.<br />
• 'The Curious Case of Chinese Politics in Britain’, <i>The Orient</i> (2013).<br />
• '<a href="http://www.bookbrunch.co.uk/pid/article_free/when_plato_met_potter">When Plato met Potter</a>’, <i>Book Brunch</i> (published 18 June 2013).<br />
• 'Cooperative Problem-Solving: what it means in theory and practice', FYPD, University of Cambridge, 2013 (download article <a href="http://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/research/academicgroups/equality/forumyouthparticipation/CoopPSpaperHBT121101.pdf">here</a>). Polish version, 'Demokracja: lekcje kooperatywnego rozwiazywania problemow’, published in <i>edukacja obywatelska w dziataniu</i>, ed. by Kordasiewicz, A. & Sadura, P., (Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, Warsaw, 2013).<br />
• <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kuans-Wonderland-ebook/dp/B008144G9I/">Kuan's Wonderland</a></b></i> (a novel). QTP: 2012.<br />
• ‘Citizen Engagement and the Quest for Solidarity’, in <i>After the Third Way: The Future of Social Democracy in Europe</i>>, ed. by Olaf Cramme and Patrick Diamond (London, I.B. Tauris, 2012). <br />
• ‘Democratic Participation and Learning Leadership’, published in Polish as ‘Szkola liderow’ in <i>Partycypacja: przewodnik krytyki politycznej</i>, ed. by Sadura, P. & Erbel, J. (Wydawnictwo Krytyki Politycznej, Warsaw, 2012).<br />
• ‘Rejuvenating Democracy: lessons from a communitarian experiment’, <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.wwwords.co.uk/FORUM/content/pdfs/53/issue53_3.asp">Forum</span>, Volume 53, Number 3, 2011</a>. <br />
• <i>Komunitaryzm</i>, (Polish translation of <i>Communitarianism</i>, by J Grygienc & A Szahaj), Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikolaja Kopernika, Torun 2011.<br />
• ‘<a href="http://etn.sagepub.com/content/11/3/355.full.pdf+html">Through Thick & Thin: what does it really take for us to live together</a>’, in <span style="font-style:italic;">Ethnicities</span>, ed. by Dina Kiwan, Volume 11 Issue 3 September 2011.<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/tam/110621HBTamPPRBigCon.pdf">The Big Con: reframing the state-society debate</a>’, <span style="font-style:italic;">PPR Journal</span>, Volume 18, Issue 1, March-May 2011. <br />
• <i><a href="http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/resources/against-power-inequalities">Against Power Inequalities: reflections on the struggle for inclusive communities</a></i>, (original edition) Birkbeck, London University, 2010. <br />
• ‘The Importance of Being a Citizen’, in <span style="font-style:italic;">Active Learning for Active Citizenship</span>, ed. by John Annette & Marjorie Mayo, (NIACE, 2010).<br />
• ‘Bringing up Citizens’ – review of Patrick Keeney’s <i>Liberalism, Communitarianism & Education</i>, in PROSPERO (Autumn issue, 2009).<br />
• <a href="http://www.renewal.org.uk/articles/white-and-leighton-building-a-citizen-society/">Review of White, S. and Leighton, D.</a> (ed.) <i>Building a Citizen Society: the emerging politics of republican democracy</i> (London: Lawrence & Wishart, 2008) in RENEWAL (Vol. 17 No.2, Summer 2009). <br />
• ‘Citizens’ Access to Power’, in <i>County Beacon</i> (the County Councils Network magazine) April 2008.<br />
• ‘Power to the Citizen’, in <i>VINE</i> (the Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East newsletter) Summer 2008.<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal: the agenda for empowering citizens’, in <span style="font-style:italic;">Re-energizing Citizenship: Strategies for Civil Renewal</span>, ed. by Gerry Stoker, Tessa Brannan, and Peter John, (Macmillan Palgrave, 2007).<br />
• ‘The Hidden Barriers to Collaboration’ in <i>The Collaborative State</i>, ed. by Simon Parker and Niamh Gallagher, (London: Demos, 2007).<br />
• ‘The Case for Progressive Solidarity’, in <span style="font-style:italic;">Identity, Ethnic Diversity & Community Cohesion</span>, ed. by M. Wetherell, M. Lafleche & R. Berkeley, (London: Sage, 2007).<br />
• ‘Communities in Control’, <i>New Start</i> (Volume 8, No. 345, 23 June 2006).<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal & Diversity’, in <i>Social Capital, Civil Renewal & Ethnic Diversity</i> (Proceedings of a Runnymede Conference), 2005.<br />
• ‘Live and Let Eat’, a review of Steven Lukes’ Liberals & Cannibals: The Implications of Diversity, in The Responsive Community, Spring/Summer 2004.<br />
• <i><b>Progressive Politics in the Global Age</b></i> (ed.) (Cambridge: Polity, 2001). <br />
• ‘What is the Third Way’, review of <i>The Third Way and The Third Way and its Critics</i> (by Anthony Giddens), for <i>The Responsive Community</i>. (Summer 2001).<br />
• ‘The Community Roots of Citizenship’, in <span style="font-style:italic;">Citizens: Towards a Citizenship Culture</span>, ed. by B. Crick (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2001).<br />
• Review of <i>Schools and Community: The Communitarian Agenda in Education</i> (by James Arthur with Richard Bailey), for the <i>Cambridge Journal of Education</i>. (May 2000).<br />
• 'Rediscovering British Communitarianism', <i>The Responsive Community</i>, (reprinted in the Co-op Commonweal) Spring, 1999. <br />
• '<a href="http://www.socialcapital-foundation.org/PUBLICATIONS/TISR_journal1/volume%201999/issue1/tam.htm">Time to take a stand: Communitarian Ideas and Third Way Politics</a>', <i>International Scope Review</i> Vol 1, Issue 1, 1999. <br />
• ‘Communitarian Ideas and Third Way Politics', <i>Local Government Voice</i>, July 1999.<br />
• <i><b>Communitarianism: A New Agenda for Politics & Citizenship</b></i> (Macmillan, 1998).<br />
• <i><b>Putting Citizens First</b></i>, with John Stewart (Municipal Journal/SOLACE, 1997).<br />
• <i><b>Punishment, Excuses & Moral Development</b></i> (ed.) (Aldershot: Avebury Press, 1996).<br />
• 'Communitarianism and Citizens Empowerment', <i>Local Government Policy Making</i>, January 1996.<br />
• 'Communitarianism and Humanism: The Need for a Citizens' Movement', <i>The Ethical Record</i>, February, 1996.<br />
• 'Education and the Communitarian Movement', <span style="font-style:italic;">Journal for Pastoral Care in Education</span>, September 1996.<br />
• <i>The Citizens Agenda</i> (The White Horse Press 1995).<br />
• 'Crime & Responsibility' in B. Almond (ed.) <span style="font-style:italic;">Introducing Applied Ethics </span>(Blackwell's 1995).<br />
• 'Enabling Structures' in D. Atkinson (ed.) <i>Cities of Pride</i> (Cassell 1995).<br />
• 'Recognise Your Responsibilities', <i>The Professional Manager</i>, March 1995.<br />
• 'The <i>Real</i> Communitarian Challenge', <i>County News</i>, May 1995.<br />
• 'Towards a Communitarian Philosophy', <i>Philosophy Today</i>, May 1995.<br />
• 'Communitarianism & the Co-operative Movement', <span style="font-style:italic;">The Co-op Commonweal</span>, Issue 2 1995.<br />
• 'Community Movement', <i>Local Government Management</i>, Autumn 1995.<br />
• 'Take the Community Route to People Power', <i>Local Government Chronicle</i> (24/11/95).<br />
• <i><b>Marketing, Competition & the Public Sector</b></i> (ed.) (Harlow: Longman, 1994).<br />
• 'Empowerment: Too Big a Task?' <i>The Professional Manager</i>, March 1994.<br />
• <i><b>Citizenship Development: Towards an Organisational Model</b></i> (LGMB 1994).<br />
• <i><b>Serving the Public: Customer Management in Local Government</i></b> (Harlow: Longman 1993).<br />
• 'Power to the People' <i>Local Government Management</i> Summer 1993.<br />
• 'How Should We Live?' <span style="font-style:italic;">The Philosopher</span>, October 1993.<br />
• <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862">Responsibility & Personal Interactions: A Philosophical Study of the Criteria for Responsibility Ascriptions</a></i></b> (Lampeter: Edwin Mellen Press, 1990).Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-24364746677890706682020-08-07T13:04:00.000+01:002020-08-08T13:16:44.789+01:00‘Being Thoughtful’: a reading guide<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><i>Being Thoughtful</i></b> is a philosophy of life that many will embrace on reflection of what different paths may entail, and can be cultivated through the development of one’s understanding of the world around them. It can be applied to one’s beliefs and life choices, one’s relationships with others, and one’s actions as a member of wider communities.</div>
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To find out more to consider and share with others, the following may be of interest (these are short essays of 500-800 words, unless otherwise indicated):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>[A] Why Embrace ‘Being Thoughtful’ as a Philosophy of Life<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->‘Being Thoughtful: a philosophy of life’ (2020): an introductory outline of the ethos. (Question the Powerful – 16 September 2020)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/what-kind-of-people-are-we.html"> </a></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/what-kind-of-people-are-we.html">‘What Kind of People Are We?’</a> (2012): distinguishing the different types of people we could be if we embrace or reject thoughtfulness as a guide to life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-reciprocity-test-pros-cons.html">‘The Reciprocity Test: Pros & Cons’ </a>(2013): using the concept of ‘reciprocity’ to ascertain our dispositions towards being thoughtful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/case-for-cooperative-problem-solving.html">‘The Case for Cooperative Problem-Solving’</a> (2012): why cooperative problem-solving is central to living thoughtfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/cooperative-problem-solving-key-to.html">‘Cooperative Problem-Solving: the key to a reciprocal society’</a> (2012): what are the key elements to cooperative problem-solving.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-general-theory-of-responsibility.html">‘The General Theory of Responsibility: an introduction’</a> (2020): a guide to resources explaining what a thoughtful conception of responsibility involves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/left-right-or-optimal.html">‘Left, Right or Optimal?’</a> (2017): why being thoughtful is concerned with the optimal choice rather than conventional labels and pre-conceived expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-cooperative-gestalt.html">‘The Cooperative Gestalt’</a> (2013): explaining how the ‘cooperative gestalt’ is the mindset with which one perceives the world in a thoughtful manner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2013/10/learning-more-about-cooperative-gestalt.html"> </a></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2013/10/learning-more-about-cooperative-gestalt.html">‘Learning More about Cooperative Gestalt’</a> (2013): a guide to more materials explicating the cooperative gestalt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Should-Citizens-Believe-Exploring/dp/1548183105">What Should Citizens Believe?</a></i> (2018): a collection of texts that explore rationality and how to deliberate over what to believe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>[B] How to Advance Thoughtfulness in Practice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-path-of-thoughtfulness.html">‘The Path of Thoughtfulness’</a> (2020): what is to be done to stay thoughtful in the face of threats and obstacles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/the-cult-of-thoughtlessness.html"> </a></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/the-cult-of-thoughtlessness.html">‘The Cult of Thoughtlessness’</a> (2017): understanding the causes and dangers of thoughtlessness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/10/four-threats-of-counter-enlightenment.html">‘Four Threats of the Counter-Enlightenment’</a> (2018): why counter-enlightenment trends need to be tackled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/11/in-defence-of-cooperative-communities-7.html"> </a></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/11/in-defence-of-cooperative-communities-7.html">‘In Defence of Cooperative Communities: 7 points to note’</a> (2018): how are cooperative communities sustained by thoughtful minds to be defended.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html">‘Guide to Synetopia’ </a>(2016): a guide to essays on aspects of the concept of ‘synetopia’ and their relevance to practical reforms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><a href="https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html">Political Literacy & Civic Thoughtfulness </a></i>(2016): a pamphlet on how to cultivate civic thoughtfulness in society.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/six-degrees-of-cooperation.html">‘Six Degrees of Cooperation’</a> (2014): where should thoughtful cooperation be more extensively developed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/politics-cooperative-gestalt.html">‘Politics & the Cooperative Gestalt’</a> (2015): what is the relevance of the cooperative gestalt to political action.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/the-cooperators-dilemma.html">‘The Cooperators’ Dilemma’</a> (2018): understanding the difficulties faced by those challenged by others’ non-cooperation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><a href="https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">Time to Save Democracy</a></i> (2018): a book length work on why and how democracy should be strengthened in line with the philosophy of thoughtfulness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>[C] What Key Ideas have influenced the Philosophy of Thoughtfulness<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2013/06/find-out-more-about-communitarianism.html">‘Find out more about Communitarianism’ </a>(2013): the theory and practice set out in the book, <i>Communitarianism</i>, provide the basis for the philosophy of ‘Being Thoughtful’, and this resource guide gives more information about it and other short, relevant articles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><a href="https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571">The Evolution of Communitarian Ideas: history, theory & practice</a></i> (2019): a book that provides a comprehensive exposition of how communitarian ideas have developed over time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/in-praise-of-mo-tze.html">‘In Praise of Mo Tze’</a> (2010): on the ideas of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Mo Tze (or Mozi). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/09/democritus-agreeable-hypothesis-about.html"> </a></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/09/democritus-agreeable-hypothesis-about.html">‘Democritus: an agreeable hypothesis about everything’ </a>(2018): on the ideas of the ancient Greek philosopher, Democritus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2014/01/question-powerful-quincentenary-of-1514.html">‘<i>Question the Powerful</i>: quincentenary of the 1514 watershed’</a> (2014): on the ideas of a number of Renaissance thinkers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2011/01/our-bacon-needs-saving.html">‘Our Bacon Needs Saving’ </a>(2011): on the ideas of Francis Bacon, their influence since the 17<sup>th</sup> century, and the opposition to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/01/what-is-it-to-be-against-enlightenment.html">‘Who’s Against the Enlightenment’</a> (2007): on the importance of the ideas of the Enlightenment and the attempts to discredit them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/cooperation-new-order-of-life.html">‘Cooperation: A New Order of Life’</a> (2017): a review of Stephen Yeo’s book on George Holyoake and his vision for thoughtful cooperation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/mill-dewey-me.html"> </a></span></span></span><a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/mill-dewey-me.html">‘Mill, Dewey & Me’ </a>(2009): on why J. S. Mill’s and John Dewey’s ideas are important in the development of the philosophy of thoughtfulness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">Against Power Inequalities – a history of the progressive struggle </a></i>(2015):<i> </i> a book on the intellectual and political battles to tackle one of the most serious threats against thoughtful cooperation – power inequalities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-43621262467396006462020-08-03T17:09:00.000+01:002020-08-06T11:34:14.091+01:00The General Theory of Responsibility: an introductionThe materials that constitute the general theory of responsibility are to be found across a number of books and articles. An outline of the key ideas and their interconnections is set out in below, followed by a guide to the publications where detailed exposition of these ideas can be found. A three-part introduction to these ideas will also be posted on Question the Powerful (in May 2020).<br />
<br />
Our aim is to explain why we should guide and encourage others to act responsibly, what that means in practice, and how to promote the socio-political conditions that are conducive to responsible behaviour at all levels.<br />
<br />
<b>[1] Mutual Responsibility</b><br />
<i>Our Concern for Each Other: </i><br />
The starting point is the evolution of human connectedness that is reflected by the universal acknowledgement of the Golden Rule of behaviour – that we should act towards others as we would have them act towards us. This forms the basis of mutual responsibility, whereby we recognise the need to account for our behaviour to each other.<br />
<i>The Problem of Indifference: </i><br />
Some people may lack concern for others because of emotionally damaging upbringing, acquired prejudice, unfortunate pathology, dogmatic embrace of egotism, or some other empathy-depleting factor.<br />
<i>Empathic Thoughtfulness: </i><br />
We need to cultivate empathic thoughtfulness as a preventative measure in general, and as a restorative technique where necessary. People can learn to see others as fellow human beings and develop a sense of responsibility towards them.<br />
<i>Togetherness in Society: </i><br />
We need socio-political actions to enhance togetherness across communities to connect people and build solidarity, including the development of shared mission, mutual respect, and coherent membership<br />
<br />
<b>[2] Cooperative Enquiry</b><br />
<i>Our Reasoning with Each Other: </i><br />
Our concern for each other means that we want to do what is helpful and avoid what is harmful for one another, and this requires us to differentiate what merits our belief regarding the consequences of our actions. This in turn calls upon us to be prepared to subject any claims being considered by ourselves and others to a mutual empirical scrutiny that is embodied in cooperative enquiry, exemplified by scientific research, legal due process, and impartial public inquiry.<br />
<i>The Problem of Ignorance: </i><br />
Some people may not be aware of the relevant facts because of a lack of information, their adherence to dogmas, being deceived, or finding the details or arguments too complex to follow.<br />
<i>Cognitive Thoughtfulness: </i><br />
We need to cultivate cognitive thoughtfulness so that people learn to enhance their reasoning skills, appreciate what constitutes a proper exchange of evidence and comments, and assess with confidence the reliability of diverse sources of information based on their track record in conducting cooperative enquiry.<br />
<i>Objectivity in Society: </i><br />
We need socio-political actions to promote objectivity across communities to improve people’s awareness of the consequences of their behaviour, including the development of collaborative learning, critical reviews, and responsible communication.<br />
<br />
<b>[3] Citizen Participation </b><br />
<i>Our Decision-Making Involving Each Other: </i><br />
If we are to take into account the feelings and reasons others have before we decide on any course of action that can affect them, we need to find meaningful ways to involve others in our decision-making. We would want to be so involved ourselves when others make decisions that affect us. This is the relationship fostered by citizen participation – at the heart of the culture of democracy.<br />
<i>The Problem of Imposition: </i><br />
Some people may act irresponsibly because they would not factor in others’ concerns in their decisions as a result of their own impatience, arrogance, or incompetence in reaching out. There are others whose options for responsible action are much curtailed because they have been left with little control over their lives by more powerful people.<br />
<i>Volitional Thoughtfulness: </i><br />
We need to cultivate volitional thoughtfulness, both to guide those overlooking the input from others to adopt a more inclusive mindset in seeking the views of those whose lives are affected by their decisions, and to help those with less power in society to expand their influence.<br />
<i>Power Balance in Society: </i><br />
We need socio-political actions to secure better power balance across communities to ensure genuine mutual consideration is given when key decisions are made, including the development of participatory decision-making, civic parity, and public accountability.<br />
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--<br />
<b><i>Guide to Further Reading</i></b><br />
<br />
For more on the central ideas of Mutual Responsibility, Cooperative Enquiry, and Citizen Participation:<br />
[a] an introduction to what they involve and their policy implications – <i>Communitarianism: a new agenda for politics & citizenship</i>: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communitarianism-New-Agenda-Politics-Citizenship/dp/0814782361">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communitarianism-New-Agenda-Politics-Citizenship/dp/0814782361</a><br />
[b] a historical account of how the related ideas and practices have developed over time – T<i>he Evolution of Communitarian Ideas</i>: <a href="https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571">https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571</a> <br />
<br />
For more on the educational and wider civic actions needed to promote responsible attitudes and behaviour:<br />
[a] a summary of the ideas and practices related to Empathic Thoughtfulness, Cognitive Thoughtfulness, and Volitional Thoughtfulness – <i>Political Literacy & Civic Thoughtfulness</i>: <a href="https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html">https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html</a><br />
[b] an extensive examination of why and how we should pursue the socio-political objectives of Togetherness, Objectivity, and Power Balance – <i>Time to Save Democracy</i>: <a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy</a> <br />
<br />
For more on the nature of Responsibility, and the problems of Indifference, Ignorance, and Imposition:<br />
[a] a critical examination of the criteria for ascribing responsibility – <i>A Philosophical Study of the Criteria for Responsibility Ascriptions</i>: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862</a> <br />
[b] a collection of essays (by a range of experts) on the obstacles to responsible behaviour – <i>Punishment, Excuses & Moral Development</i>: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punishment-Excuses-Development-Avebury-Philosophy/dp/1859722601">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punishment-Excuses-Development-Avebury-Philosophy/dp/1859722601</a><br />
<br />
For more on the effective approaches to advance responsible collective action through Citizen Participation:<br />
[a] a collection of essays (by leading academics and practitioners) on how to improve state-citizen cooperation – <i>Whose Government is it</i>: <a href="https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whose-government-is-it">https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whose-government-is-it</a><br />
[b] a guide to the resources available to raise understanding of the value and practical application of citizen participation – <i>Together We Can Resource Guide</i>: <a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/together-we-can-resource-guide.html">https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/together-we-can-resource-guide.html</a> <br />
<br />
For more on the socio-political barriers to responsible behaviour:<br />
[a] a collection of essays dealing with philosophical arguments as well as practical policy issues relating to the Problem of Ignorance – <i>What Should Citizens Believe</i>: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Should-Citizens-Believe-Exploring/dp/1548183105">https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Should-Citizens-Believe-Exploring/dp/1548183105</a><br />
[b] a short global history on the undermining of Power Balance in society and how it could be tackled – <i>Against Power Inequalities</i>: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/</a> <br />
[c] a collection of essays (by progressive writers) on the vision and policies that can steer us away from the threats of irresponsible diktats and exploitative arrangements – <i>Progressive Politics in the Global Age</i>: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progressive-Politics-Global-Age-Henry/dp/0745625797">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progressive-Politics-Global-Age-Henry/dp/0745625797</a> <br />
<br />
--<br />
For ‘The General Theory of Responsibility (part 1), go to: <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility.html">https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility.html</a> <br />
For ‘The General Theory of Responsibility (part 2), go to: <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_11.html">https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_11.html</a> <br />
For ‘The General Theory of Responsibility (part 3), go to: <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_21.html">https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_21.html</a><br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-84105869621226586482020-08-02T13:15:00.000+01:002020-08-06T13:14:26.450+01:00Question the Powerful: Essays<b>Full Listing</b><br />
Set out below is a complete list of the essays posted on the <i>Question the Powerful</i> blog. Click on the title to find out more. For a list of Henry Tam’s key writings (books and articles) published elsewhere, see <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/henry-tam-bibliography.html">‘Henry Tam: Bibliography'</a>.<br />
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No. 296 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-scientific-v-arbitrary.html">The Scientific v the Arbitrary </a><br />
No. 295 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/07/skin-tone-negativity-syndrome-stns.html">Skin-Tone Negativity Syndrome (STNS)</a><br />
No. 294 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/06/left-without-words.html">Left Without Words</a><br />
No. 293 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/06/priority-one-political-power.html">Priority One: Political Power</a><br />
No. 292 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_21.html">The General Theory of Responsibility (part 3)</a><br />
No. 291 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_11.html">The General Theory of Responsibility (part 2)</a><br />
No. 290 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility.html">The General Theory of Responsibility (part 1)</a><br />
No. 289 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-impact-of-communitarian-empowerment.html">The Impact of Communitarian Empowerment</a><br />
No. 288 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/04/3-steps-to-democratic-consensus.html">3 Steps to Democratic Consensus</a><br />
No. 287 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-case-for-regulation-is-going-viral.html">The Case for Regulation is Going Viral</a><br />
No. 286 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-five-side-model-for-electing.html">The Five-A-Side Model for Electing National Leaders</a><br />
No. 285 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-toxic-spread-of-authoritarian.html">The Toxic Spread of Authoritarian Intimidation</a><br />
No. 284 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/02/brexit-blues.html">Brexit Blues</a><br />
No. 283 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-smokescreen-called-politically.html">A Smokescreen called ‘Politically Motivated’</a><br />
No. 282 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-path-of-thoughtfulness.html">The Path of Thoughtfulness</a><br />
No. 281 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/12/lessons-for-democrats.html">Lessons for Democrats</a><br />
No. 280 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/12/remember-remember-vote-them-out-in.html">Remember, Remember, Vote Them Out in December: here’s a 10-point reminder</a><br />
No. 279 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/11/question-boris-johnson-election-special.html">Question Boris Johnson: an election special</a><br />
No. 278 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/11/proud-to-be-open-minded.html">Proud to be Open-Minded</a><br />
No. 277 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-politics-of-saints-sinners.html">The Politics of Saints & Sinners</a><br />
No. 276 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/10/you-say-you-want-constitution.html">You Say You Want a Constitution</a><br />
No. 275 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/09/shameless-subversion-con-politics.html">Shameless Subversion: Con politics explained</a><br />
No. 274 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/09/where-is-jobs-manifesto.html">Where is the Jobs Manifesto?</a><br />
No. 273 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-art-of-political-criticism.html">The Art of Political Criticism: an educator’s guide</a><br />
No. 272 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-stoic-epicurean-resolution.html">The Stoic-Epicurean Resolution</a><br />
No. 271 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/07/what-to-do-about-manipulative.html">What to do about Manipulative Authoritarianism?</a><br />
No. 270 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/07/key-lessons-on-power-inequality.html">Key Lessons on Power Inequality</a><br />
No. 269 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/06/humpty-dumptys-democracy.html">Humpty Dumpty’s ‘Democracy’</a><br />
No. 268 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/06/ask-grayling-politics-of-chaos.html">Ask Grayling: the politics of chaos</a><br />
No. 267 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/05/cooperation-first-new-educational-focus.html">Cooperation First: a new educational focus</a><br />
No. 266 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-politics-of-reckless-endangerment.html">The Politics of Reckless Endangerment</a><br />
No. 265 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/04/policies-for-renewing-state-citizen.html">Policies for Renewing State-Citizen Cooperation</a><br />
No. 264 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/04/fools-paradise-ultimate-political-resort.html">Fool’s Paradise: the ultimate political resort</a><br />
No. 263 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/03/carry-on-brexit.html">Carry On Brexit</a><br />
No. 262 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-politics-of-forgivableness.html">The Politics of Forgivableness</a><br />
No. 261 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/02/con-politics-its-6-core-tricks.html">Con Politics & its 6 core tricks</a><br />
No. 260 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-war-refugees-tax-programme.html">The War & Refugees Tax Programme</a><br />
No. 259 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/01/licence-to-bill.html">Licence to Bill</a><br />
No. 258 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-unholy-alliance.html">The Unholy Alliance</a><br />
No. 257 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/12/five-categories-of-irresponsible.html">Five Categories of Irresponsible Communication</a><br />
No. 256 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/12/mistaken-group-identity.html">Mistaken Group Identity</a><br />
No. 255 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/11/democracy-2016-referendum.html">Democracy & the 2016 Referendum</a><br />
No. 254 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/11/in-defence-of-cooperative-communities-7.html">In Defence of Cooperative Communities: 7 points to note</a><br />
No. 253 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/10/four-threats-of-counter-enlightenment.html">Four Threats of the Counter-Enlightenment</a><br />
No. 252 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/10/how-to-mind-money-gap.html">How to Mind the Money Gap</a><br />
No. 251 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/09/democritus-agreeable-hypothesis-about.html">Democritus: an agreeable hypothesis about everything</a><br />
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No. 250 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-most-important-ideas-to-teach.html">The Most Important Ideas to Teach</a><br />
No. 249 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-xenophobic-curse-how-right-keeps.html">The Xenophobic Curse: how the Right keeps getting it Wrong</a><br />
No. 248 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/08/neo-humans-sub-humans.html">Neo-Humans & Sub-Humans</a><br />
No. 247 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/07/patriotism-subverted-putins-strategy-to.html">Patriotism Subverted: Putin’s Strategy to Destabilise the West</a><br />
No. 246 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/07/big-egos-small-print-zero-accountability.html">Big Egos, Small Print, & Zero Accountability</a><br />
No. 245 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/06/exposing-affordability-con.html">Exposing the Affordability Con</a><br />
No. 244 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-political-wing-of-bad-business.html">The Political Wing of Bad Business</a><br />
No. 243 <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2018/05/what-should-citizens-believe.html">What Should Citizens Believe</a><br />
No. 242: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/societys-identity-crisis.html">Society’s Identity Crisis</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 241: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/the-real-political-divide.html">The Real Political Divide</a> (Progressive Ethos)<br />
No. 240: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/the-brexit-con.html">The Brexit Con</a> (Brexit)<br />
No. 239: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/the-public-money-protection-act.html">The ‘Public Money Protection’ Act</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 238: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/democracy-on-life-support.html">Democracy on Life Support</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 237: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/the-cooperators-dilemma.html">The Cooperators’ Dilemma</a> (Cooperative Development)<br />
No. 236: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/four-deities-humanist.html">Four Deities & a Humanist</a> (Ethics)<br />
No. 235: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/what-voters-want.html">What Voters Want</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 234: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/paradigm-lost.html">Paradigm Lost</a> (Progressive Ethos)<br />
No. 233: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/snakes-on-power-ladders.html">Snakes on Power Ladders</a> (Ethics)<br />
No. 232: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/unhappy-ending-politics-of-secession.html">Unhappy Ending: the politics of secession</a> (Global Politics)<br />
No. 231: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/exposing-affinity-myth.html">Exposing the Affinity Myth</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 230: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/what-do-we-mean-by-civic-engagement.html">What do we mean by ‘Civic Engagement’?</a> (Community Empowerment)<br />
No. 229: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/cooperation-new-order-of-life.html">Cooperation: A New Order of Life?</a> (Book review: ‘Victorian Agitator – George Holyoake: co-operation as this new order of life’, by Stephen Yeo)<br />
No. 228: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/techgemony-crisis-of-human-redundancy.html">Tech’gemony: the crisis of human redundancy</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 227: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/performance-enhancement-fair-competition.html">Performance Enhancement & Fair Competition</a> (Ethics)<br />
No. 226: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/the-will-of-people.html">The Will of the People?</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 225: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/impartiality-or-bias-in-politics.html">Impartiality or Bias in Politics</a> (Education)<br />
No. 224: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/the-importance-of-being-english.html">The Importance of Being English</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 223: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/isnt-profit-tax-on-workers.html">Isn’t Profit a Tax on Workers?</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 222: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/from-russia-with-brexit-trump.html">From Russia with Brexit & Trump</a> (Global Politics)<br />
No. 221: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/national-alliance-for-brexit.html">National Alliance for Brexit</a> (Brexit)<br />
No. 220: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/gambling-with-uks-future.html">Gambling with the UK’s Future</a> (Brexit)<br />
No. 219: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/the-rules-freedom-symbiosis.html">The Rules-Freedom Symbiosis</a> (Democracy) <br />
No. 218: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/left-right-or-optimal.html">Left, Right, or Optimal?</a> (Electoral Politics) <br />
No. 217: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/to-share-or-not-to-share.html">To Share or Not To Share</a> (Economics) <br />
No. 216: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/5-simple-security-tests.html">5 Simple Security Tests</a> (Global Politics) <br />
No. 215: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/the-art-of-not-playing-god.html">The Art of Not Playing God</a> (Ethics) <br />
No. 214: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/nationalism-of-puppet-kind.html">Nationalism of the Puppet Kind</a> (Con Politics) <br />
No. 213: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/the-business-of-advancing-values.html">The Business of Advancing Values</a> (Cooperative Development) <br />
No. 212: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/attlee-bread.html">Attlee & Bread</a> (Progressive Ethos) <br />
No. 211: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/the-cult-of-thoughtlessness.html">The Cult of Thoughtlessness</a> (Political Education) <br />
No. 210: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/the-livelihood-challenge-10-actions-to.html">The Livelihood Challenge: 10 actions to consider</a> (Economics) <br />
No. 209: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/2017-precarious-jobs-odyssey.html">2017: a precarious jobs odyssey</a> (Electoral Politics) <br />
No. 208: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/three-wise-memos.html">Three Wise Memos</a> (Progressive Ethos) <br />
No. 207: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/how-anger-trumps-anxiety.html">How Anger Trumps Anxiety</a> (Electoral Politics) <br />
No. 206: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/the-brexit-trump-regression.html">The Brexit-Trump Regression</a> (Con Politics) <br />
No. 205: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/dr-frankenstein-i-presume.html">Dr. Frankenstein, I presume</a> (Con Politics) <br />
No. 204: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/the-pathology-of-marginalisation.html">The Pathology of Marginalisation</a> (Power Inequality) <br />
No. 203: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/gains-losses-real-value.html">‘Gains’, ‘Losses’, & Real Value</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 202: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/the-vote-is-not-enough.html">The Vote is Not Enough</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 201: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/automation-immigration-civic.html">Automation, Immigration, & Civic Remuneration</a> (Economics)<br />
<br />
No.200: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/give-collaborative-leadership-try.html">Give Collaborative Leadership a Try</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.199: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/the-politics-of-deranged-generalisation.html">The Politics of Deranged Generalisation</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.198: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/keeping-con-in-e-con-omics.html">Keeping the Con in ‘e-CON-omics’</a> (Economics)<br />
No.197: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/dis-united-kingdom-10-issues-to-watch.html">Dis-United Kingdom: 10 issues to watch</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.196: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/the-lawbreakers-mask.html">The Lawbreaker’s Mask</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.195: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/education-society-cooperative-gestalt.html">Education, Society & the Cooperative Gestalt</a> (Education)<br />
No.194: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/the-thoughtful-guide-to-political-types.html">The Thoughtful Guide to Political Types</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No.193: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/terminate-machines.html">Terminate the Machines?</a> (Economics)<br />
No.192: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/10-ways-to-subvert-legality.html">10 Ways to Subvert Legality</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No.191: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/only-fools-porsches.html">Only Fools & Porsches</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.190: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/moral-relativism-empathy-scale.html">Moral Relativism & the Empathy Scale</a> (Ethics)<br />
No.189: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/a-strategy-for-cooperators.html">A Strategy for Cooperators</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.188: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/theres-something-about-capitalism.html">There’s Something About Capitalism</a> (Economics)<br />
No.187: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/the-politics-of-anti-rationality.html">The Politics of Anti-Rationality</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.186: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/flag-freedom-family.html">Flag, Freedom, & Family ...</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No.185: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/goodbye-utopia-hello-synetopia.html">Goodbye Utopia, Hello Synetopia</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.184: <a href="http://">Political Education with a Twist</a> (Education)<br />
No.183: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/snide-prejudiced-tale-of-constitutional.html">Snide & Prejudiced: a tale of constitutional shenanigans</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.182: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/the-all-or-nothing-fallacy-of-polarised.html">The ‘All-or-Nothing Fallacy’ of Polarised Politics</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.181: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/synetopia-progress-through-cooperation.html">Synetopia: progress through cooperation</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.180: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/lets-come-clean-about-nuclear-waste.html">Let’s Come Clean about Nuclear Waste</a> (Environment & Energy)<br />
No.179: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/nietzsche-all-too-nietzsche.html">Nietzsche, all too Nietzsche</a> (Ethics)<br />
No.178: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/journey-to-real-centre-of-politics.html">Journey to the Real Centre of Politics</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.177: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/convert-or-con-victim.html">Convert or Con Victim?</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.176: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/plutocracy-lesson-for-citizen-education.html">Plutocracy: a lesson for citizen education</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No.175: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/o-humanities-where-art-thou.html">O Humanities, Where Art Thou?</a> (Education)<br />
No.174: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/the-public-private-divide.html">The Public-Private Divide</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.173: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/lifelong-learning-everyday-governance.html">Lifelong Learning & Everyday Governance</a> (Education)<br />
No.172: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/left-at-identity-checkpoint.html">Left at the Identity Checkpoint</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.171: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/democracy-at-workplace.html">Democracy at the Workplace</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.170: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-meaning-of-pro-business.html">The Meaning of ‘Pro-Business’</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.169: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/money-can-buy-you-votes.html">Money Can Buy You Votes</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No.168: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/remember-together-we-can.html">Remember: Together We Can</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No.167: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/whats-in-vote.html">What’s in a Vote</a> (Electoral Politics)<br />
No.166: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/thatcher-europe-referendum.html">Thatcher, Europe & Referendum</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.165: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/invasion-of-power-snatchers.html">Invasion of the Power Snatchers</a> (Power Inequality)<br />
No.164: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/cooperation-unbound-new-model-for.html">Cooperation Unbound: a new model for democratic education</a> (Education)<br />
No.163: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/politics-cooperative-gestalt.html">Politics & the Cooperative Gestalt</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.162: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/we-are-spartacus-we-are-syriza.html">We are Spartacus – We are Syriza</a> (Economics)<br />
No.161: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/davos-inferno.html">Davos’ Inferno</a> (Power inequality [Satire])<br />
No.160: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/debunking-culture-wars.html">Debunking Culture War</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.159: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/politics-what-is-it-good-for.html ">Politics: what is it good for?</a> (Education)<br />
No.158: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/the-voter-vanishes.html">The Voter Vanishes</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.157: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/between-buddha-camus.html">Between the Buddha & Camus</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.156: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/the-con-identity.html">The Con Identity</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.155: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-meekest-link.html">The Meekest Link</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.154: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/revolution-for-beginners.html">Revolution for Beginners</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.153: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/six-degrees-of-cooperation.html">Six Degrees of Cooperation</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.152 <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/the-national-safety-fund-explained.html">The National Safety Fund explained</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No.151: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/experimentally-seeking-progress.html">Experimentally Seeking Progress</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
<br />
No.150: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/keeping-democracy-on-its-toes.html">Keeping Democracy on its Toes</a><br />
[interview with Jessica Crowe, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Scrutiny] (Democracy)<br />
No.149: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/question-powerful-political-education.html">Question the Powerful: the political education project</a> (Education)<br />
No.148: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/qtp-resources-for-political-education.html">QTP Resources for Political Education</a> (Education)<br />
No.147: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/we-are-what-we-eat.html">We Are What We Eat</a> [book review of <i>Incredible! Plant Veg, Grow a Revolution: the story of Incredible Edible Todmorden</i>, by Pam Warhurst and Joanna Dobson] (Community empowerment)<br />
No.146: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/politically-incorrect-or-morally.html">Politically ‘Incorrect’ or Morally Repugnant</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.145: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/cooperation-denial.html">Cooperation Denial</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.144: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/scapegoats-united.html">Scapegoats United</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No.143: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/in-solidarity-or-in-solitary.html">In Solidarity or In Solitary</a> (Global politics)<br />
No.142: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-crook-bees-their-hive-its-haters.html ">The Crook, the Bees, their Hive & its Haters</a> [a fable] (Power inequality [Satire])<br />
No.141: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/all-quiet-on-voting-front.html">All Quiet on the Voting Front?</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No.140: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/rethinking-education.html">Rethinking Education</a> [interview with Diane Reay, Professor of Education, University of Cambridge] (Education)<br />
No.139: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/a-history-of-world-in-500-words.html">A History of the World in 500 words</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No.138: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-art-of-exposing-emperors.html">The Art of Exposing Emperors</a> (Education)<br />
No.137: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/time-for-cooperative-government.html">Time for a Cooperative Government</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.136: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/anarchy-dreams-nightmares.html">Anarchy: Daydreams & Nightmares</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.135: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/politics-for-outsiders-educational.html">Politics for Outsiders: an educational mission</a> (Education)<br />
No.134: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/chinese-pride-or-western-prejudice.html">Chinese Pride or Western Prejudice</a> [book review of <i>Chinese Whispers: why everything you heard about China is wrong</i> by Ben Chu] (Global politics)<br />
No.133: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/question-powerful-quincentenary-of-1514.html">‘Question the Powerful’: quincentenary of the 1514 watershed</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.132: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-author-formerly-hated-for-prince.html">The Author Formerly Hated for ‘The Prince’</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.131: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-art-of-nurturing-communities.html">The Art of Nurturing Communities</a> [book review of <i> Community Research for Community Development</i>, ed. by M. Mayo, Z. Mediwelso-Bendek, & C. Packham] (Community empowerment)<br />
No.130: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/who-needs-capability-assessment.html">Who Needs Capability Assessment?</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No.129: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-cooperative-gestalt.html">The Cooperative Gestalt</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.128: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-economics-of-disability.html">The Economics of Disability</a> (Economics)<br />
No.127: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/whos-afraid-of-political-education.html">Who’s Afraid of Political Education?</a> (Education)<br />
No.126: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/how-do-you-solve-problem-like-syria.html">How Do You Solve A Problem Like Syria?</a> (Global politics)<br />
No.125: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/the-loneliness-of-long-distance-teacher.html">The Loneliness of the Long Distance Teacher</a> (Education)<br />
No.124: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/the-reciprocity-test-pros-cons.html">The Reciprocity Test: Pros & Cons</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.123: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/bouncers-for-cyber-clubs.html">Bouncers for Cyber Clubs?</a> (Freedom of speech and belief)<br />
No.122: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/downturn-abbey.html">Downturn Abbey</a> (Power inequality [Satire])<br />
No.121: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/anti-social-enterprise.html">Anti-Social Enterprise</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.120: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/oppose-war-on-welfare.html">Oppose the War on Welfare</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No.119: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/chartist-no-6-call-for-annual-elections.html">Chartist No. 6: the call for annual elections</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.118: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/whose-money-is-it-anyway.html">Whose Money Is It Anyway?</a> (Economics)<br />
No.117: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-greed-tyranny.html">The Greed Tyranny</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.116: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-atos-inquisition.html">The ATOS Inquisition</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No.115: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/dont-know-much-about-politics.html">Don’t Know Much About Politics?</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.114: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/community-development-at-crossroads.html">Community Development at the Crossroads</a> (Community empowerment)<br />
No.113: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-power-hypothesis.html">The Power Hypothesis</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No.112: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/communitarianism-revisited.html">Communitarianism Revisited</a> [co-written with Jonathan Boswell] (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.111: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/no-minister.html">No, Minister</a> (Democracy)<br />
No.110: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/leave-no-one-behind.html">Leave No One Behind</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No.109: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/like-to-teach-world-to-vote.html">Like to Teach the World to Vote?</a> (Education)<br />
No.108: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/whos-afraid-of-father-christmas.html">Who’s Afraid of Father Christmas</a> (Power inequality [Satire])<br />
No.107: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/tune-into-un-194-sound-of-beautiful.html">Tune into UN 194: the Sound of a Beautiful Resistance</a> (Global politics)<br />
No.106: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/dreaming-of-dark-christmas.html">Dreaming of a Dark Christmas</a> (Education)<br />
No.105: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-biggest-co-op-of-all.html">The Biggest Co-op of All</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No.104: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-bomb-for-eye.html">A Bomb for an Eye</a> (Global politics)<br />
No.103: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-crude-mad-ugly.html">The Crude, the Mad & the Ugly</a> (Con politics)<br />
No.102: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/a-message-to-america.html">A Message to America</a> [from FDR] (Electoral politics)<br />
No.101: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-powerful-cant-hide-by-ann-walker.html">The Powerful Can’t Hide</a> [guest post by Ann Walker] (Power inequality)<br />
<br />
No.100: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/cooperative-problem-solving-key-to.html">Cooperative Problem-Solving: the key to a reciprocal society</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No. 99: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/who-are-wealth-creators.html">Who are the Wealth Creators?</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 98: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/help-us-question-powerful.html">Help Us Question the Powerful</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 97: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/unsure-about-start-our-children-get.html">Unsure about the Start Our Children Get?</a> (Family policy)<br />
No. 96: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/political-ocd-is-there-cure.html">Political OCD: is there a cure?</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 95: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-targeting-of-troubled-families.html">The Targeting of ‘Troubled Families’</a> (Family policy)<br />
No. 94: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/your-power-your-government.html">Your Power, Your Government</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 93: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/can-nhs-stay-in-race.html">Can the NHS Stay in the Race?</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No. 92: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/pyramid-hockey.html">Pyramid Hockey</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 91: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/democracys-debt-to-young-people.html">Democracy’s Debt to Young People</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 90: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/what-kind-of-people-are-we.html">What kind of people are we?</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 89: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/kuans-wonderland-political-fable.html"><i>Kuan’s Wonderland</i>: a political fable</a> (Education)<br />
No. 88: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/friends-romans-lend-me-your-euros.html">Friends, Romans, Lend Me Your Euros</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 87: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/case-for-cooperative-problem-solving.html">The Case for Cooperative Problem-Solving</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No. 86: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/where-next-for-criminal-justice.html">Where Next for Criminal Justice?</a> [book review of <i>Where Next for Criminal Justice</i>, by David Faulkner and Ros Burnett] (Criminal justice)<br />
No. 85: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/free-speech-conundrum.html">The Free Speech Conundrum</a> (Freedom of speech and belief)<br />
No. 84: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/im-super-rich-get-me-into-white-house.html">I’m Super-Rich, Get Me into the White House</a> (Electoral politics [Satire])<br />
No. 83: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/much-ado-about-cooperating.html">Much Ado About Cooperating</a> (Cooperative development)<br />
No. 82: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/department-for-wealth.html">The Department for Wealth</a> (Con politics [Satire])<br />
No. 81: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/welcome-to-premier-league-of-education.html">Welcome to the Premier League of Education</a> (Education)<br />
No. 80: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/re-enter-dragon.html">Re-enter the Dragon</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 79: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/educating-fodder.html">Educating Fodder</a> (Education)<br />
No. 78: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/santa-city-xmas-special.html">Santa & the City (Xmas Special)</a> (Power inequality [Satire])<br />
No. 77: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/can-democracy-be-saved.html">Can Democracy Be Saved?</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 76: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/what-next-for-wea.html">What Next for the WEA?</a> (Education)<br />
No. 75: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/corporate-flu.html">Corporate Flu</a> (Con politics [Satire])<br />
No. 74: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/debt-or-no-debt.html">Debt or No Debt</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 73: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/politics-of-cultural-inclinations.html">The Politics of Cultural Inclinations</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 72: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/poor-circulation-economic-disorder.html">Poor Circulation and Economic Disorder</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 71: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/lopsided-playing-field.html">The Lopsided Playing Field</a> Power inequality)<br />
No. 70: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/eton-redemption.html">The Eton Redemption</a> (Con politics [Satire])<br />
No. 69: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/know-nothing-executives.html">The Know-Nothing Executives</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 68: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/nasty-media.html">The Nasty Media</a> (Media)<br />
No. 67: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/big-con.html">The Big Con</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 66: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/tale-of-two-strategies.html">A Tale of Two Strategies</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No. 65: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/left-disorientated.html">Left Disorientated?</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 64: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/joker-to-right.html">The Joker to the Right</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 63: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/royal-family-values-historical-fact.html">Royal Family Values: a historical fact sheet</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 62: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/memento-tory.html">Memento Tory</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 61: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/68-places-to-change-governments-mind.html">68 places to change the Government’s mind</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No. 60: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/from-wisconsin-with-love.html">From Wisconsin, With Love</a> (Con politics [Satire])<br />
No. 59: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/murdoch-empire-strikes-back.html">The Murdoch Empire Strikes Back</a> (Media)<br />
No. 58: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/sos-save-our-nhs.html">SOS: Save Our NHS</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No. 57: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/beyond-matrix.html">Beyond the Matrix</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 56: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/our-bacon-needs-saving.html">Our Bacon Needs Saving</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 55: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/deep-freeze-alert.html">Deep Freeze Alert</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 54: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/interview-with-father-christmas.html">An Interview with ‘Father Christmas’</a> (Power inequality [Satire])<br />
No. 53: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/on-strikers-and-own-goals.html">On Strikers & Own Goals</a> (Unions)<br />
No. 52: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/paint-it-red.html">Paint it Red</a> (Con politics [Satire])<br />
No. 51: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/anger-mismanagement.html">Anger Mismanagement</a> (Con politics)<br />
<br />
No. 50: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/another-coup-on-animal-farm.html">Another Coup on Animal Farm</a> (Con politics [Satire])<br />
No. 49: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/against-power-inqualities.html">Against Power Inequalities</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 48: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/mad-tea-partys-brewing.html">A Mad Tea Party’s Brewing</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 47: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/ultimate-horror-show.html">The Ultimate Horror Show</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 46: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/in-praise-of-mo-tze.html">In Praise of Mo Tze (墨子)</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 45: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/ever-tried-homeopathic-democracy.html">Ever Tried Homeopathic Democracy?</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 44: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/begging-charity-question.html">Begging the Charity Question</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 43: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/denial-industry.html">The Denial Industry</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 42: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/mill-dewey-me.html">Mill, Dewey & Me</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 41: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/simple-equation.html">A Simple Equation</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 40: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/interdependence-day.html">Interdependence Day</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 39: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/fox-and-bbc.html">The Fox & the BBC</a> (Media)<br />
No. 38: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/alliance-to-promote-democracy.html">An Alliance to Promote Democracy</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 37: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/some-like-it-thick.html">Some Like it Thick</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 36: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/pride-tiananmen.html">Pride & Tiananmen</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 35: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/know-thy-goal.html">Know Thy Goal</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 34: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/04/king-johns-lesson-for-g20.html">King John’s Lesson for the G20</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 33: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/03/powerlessness-can-damage-your-health.html">Powerlessness can damage your health</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 32: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/year-of-invisible-ox.html">Year of the Invisible Ox</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 31: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2009/01/unite-or-perish.html">Unite or Perish</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 30: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/12/pension-pirates.html">The Pension Pirates</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 29: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/anatomy-of-change.html">The Anatomy of Change</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 28: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/axis-of-stupidity.html">Axis of Stupidity</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 27: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/09/freedom-to-crash.html">The Freedom to Crash</a> (Economics)<br />
No. 26: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/08/talk-about-slavery.html">Talk about Slavery</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 25: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/07/thou-shall-make-money.html">Thou Shall Make Money</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 24: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/06/gene-code-lottery.html">The Gene Code Lottery</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 23: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/05/s-word.html">The S Word</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 22: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/04/good-bad-foreign.html">The Good, the Bad and the Foreign</a> (Progressive ethos)<br />
No. 21: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/03/between-nader-and-plastic-sea.html">Between Nader and the Plastic Sea</a> (Electoral politics)<br />
No. 20: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/02/minorities-myth.html">The Minorities Myth</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 19: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/01/wheat-from-chav.html">Wheat from the Chav</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 18: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/12/wheres-our-american-vote.html">Where’s our American vote?</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 17: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/11/let-them-eat-bullets.html">Let them eat bullets</a> (Welfare & Healthcare)<br />
No. 16: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/10/alpha-male-syndrome.html">The Alpha Male Syndrome</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 15: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/variations-on-theme-of-ransom.html">Variations on a theme of ransom</a> (Unions)<br />
No. 14: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/08/crisis-of-civic-disengagement.html">The Crisis of Civic Disengagement</a> (Democracy)<br />
No. 13: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/07/whats-wrong-with-being-all-powerful.html">What’s wrong with being all-powerful?</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 12: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/06/together-we-can.html">Together We Can</a> (Community empowerment)<br />
No. 11: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/05/long-live-con.html">Long live the Con</a> (Con politics)<br />
No. 10: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/04/give-restorative-justice-chance.html">Give restorative justice a chance</a> (Criminal justice)<br />
No. 9: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/04/weapons-of-mass-confusion.html">Weapons of mass confusion</a> (Global politics)<br />
No. 8: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/03/of-frogs-and-men.html">Of frogs and men</a> (Environment & Energy)<br />
No. 7: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/03/what-exactly-is-pro-family.html">What exactly is pro-family?</a> (Family policy)<br />
No. 6: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/02/why-single-out-freedom-of-discussion.html">Why single out the freedom of discussion</a> (Freedom of speech and belief)<br />
No. 5: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/02/belief-is-not-enough.html">Belief is not enough</a> (Freedom of speech and belief)<br />
No. 4: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/01/what-is-it-to-be-against-enlightenment.html">Who’s against the Enlightenment?</a> (Progressive Ethos)<br />
No. 3: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/01/arent-they-all-human-values.html">Aren’t they all Human Values?</a> (Solidarity & Diversity)<br />
No. 2: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/01/why-tolerate-power-gap.html">Why tolerate the Power Gap?</a> (Power inequality)<br />
No. 1: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2007/01/challenge-no1-is-redemption-possible.html">Is Redemption Possible?</a> (Ethics)Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-11928565904971345642020-08-01T18:30:00.000+01:002020-08-06T11:33:25.522+01:00The QTP (Question the Powerful) Talks Series• ‘How Can We Rebuild Trust in Democracy', Better Way event, 24/03/20 [QTP 123]<br />
• ‘Deliberative Solutions for Complex Problems', Newham Democracy Commission, 25/11/19 [QTP 122]<br />
• ‘Democracy: Key Threats & Potential Remedies’, at the Take Part event on 'Active Citizenship in the crisis of Democracy', 19/11/19 [QTP 121]<br />
• ‘Making Democracy Real', at the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust's event, 'Shifting Power: Participation, Political Equality and Democracy', 17/7/19 [QTP 120]<br />
• ‘Whose Government is it?', event at House of Lords to mark the publication of the book, 9/7/19 [QTP 119]<br />
• ‘The Problem of Manipulative Authoritarianism', Robert Bosch Stiftung symposium with members of the Bundestag (Germany), held in Sofia, Bulgaria, 17/4/19 [QTP 118]<br />
• ‘Cooperation Works: citizenship, cohesion and the skills agenda’, WEA (Eastern Region), Cambridge, 3/11/18 [QTP 117]<br />
• ‘Dysfunctional Communities: Causes & Remedies’, London Leaders Programme, London Councils, 13/9/18 [QTP 116]<br />
• ‘Succeeding through Collaborative Leadership’, Ministry of Defence, 9/5/18 [QTP 115]<br />
• ‘Public Policy & the State of Democracy’, Cambridge University’s Centre for Science & Policy, Fellows Seminar, Cabinet Office, London, 18/4/18 [QTP 114]<br />
• ‘Civic Engagement and Integration’, House of Lords, 29/11/17 [QTP 113]<br />
• ‘Organisational Storytelling’, Civil Service College, 25-26/10/17 [QTP 112]<br />
• 'Reimagining Your Future', Newham College, London, 6/3/17 [QTP 111]<br />
• 'Getting the Best from People', workshop with the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Bristol, 14/2/17 [QTP 110]<br />
• ‘Civic Engagement’, presentation to <i>La Ligue de L’enseignement</i>, Cambridge, 8/11/16 [QTP 109]<br />
• ‘Taking Control of Our Lives’, Cambridge Commons, 1/10/16 [QTP 108]<br />
• ‘Power, Reason & Social Purpose; the critical role of adult education’, WEA tutors conference, Cambridge, 27/5/16 [QTP 107]<br />
• ‘Collaborative Leadership’, Northern Ireland Civil Service, Belfast, 4/5/16 [QTP 106]<br />
• ‘A Recipe for Work, Life & Everything?’, Workers Educational Association, Cambridge, 2/4/16 [QTP 105]<br />
• ‘The ‘Together We Can’ case study’, Civil Service College, 17/3/16 [QTP 104]<br />
• ‘Commoning, Governments, & Cooperation’, at the Commons Strategies Group & Heinrich Boll Foundation event, ‘State Power and the Commons: Transcending a Problematic Relationship’, Germany, 29/2/16 [QTP 103]<br />
• ‘Together We Can: Public Leadership', talk given to delegation of Indian Government's senior civil servants, 18/9/15 [QTP 102]<br />
• ‘God, Goodness, & Great Britain’, address at the Suffolk Interfaith Resource/East of England Faith Agency conference on <i>Human Rights, Religious Rights, and British Values</i>, West Suffolk College, Bury St Edmunds, 9/7/15 [QTP 101]<br />
• ‘Politics: what is it good for?’, a series of days schools with the WEA across the East of England (from Cambridge to Norwich) 28/2/15 – 25/4/15. [QTP 100]<br />
• 'Future of Democracy in Britain’, Trades Union Council, Wisbech & March, 21/3/15. [QTP 99]<br />
• 'Collaborative Leadership’, Scottish Housing Regulator, 24/2/15. [QTP 98]<br />
• 'Cooperation, Communities, & the Cambridge Commons’, Cooperative Party, Cambridge, 18/2/15. [QTP 97]<br />
• 'Succeeding through Collaborative Leadership’, Civil Service College, 17/12/14. [QTP 96]<br />
• 'Politics: so what are you going to do?’, the British Chinese Project, London: 29/11/14. [QTP 95]<br />
• ‘Austerity & Scapegoat Politics’, University of the 3rd Age, Cambridge: 12/11/14. [QTP 94]<br />
• ‘What has politics ever done for us?’, address at WEA (Eastern Region AGM): 8/11/14. [QTP 93]<br />
• ‘Youth & Democracy’, presentation at ‘Round table on youth participation and impact in democratic decision-making’, <i>World Forum for Democracy</i>, Council of Europe, Strasbourg: 3/11/14. [QTP 92]<br />
• ‘Democracy through the Looking Glass’, presentation to sixth formers, St Albans Girls’ School, Hertfordshire: 25/9/14. [QTP 91]<br />
• ‘Managing Ministerial Expectations’, Civil Service College: 18/9/14. [QTP 90]<br />
• ‘Thriving on Diversity’, Civil Service College: 9/9/14. [QTP 89]<br />
• ‘The Art of Making Science Work’, <i>Implementing Implementation Science</i> conference, East London Consortium of Educational Psychologists, Cambridge: 28/7/14. [QTP 88]<br />
• ‘Co-operation versus Con-Operation’, Annual Conference, Confederation of Cooperative Housing, Manchester: 11/7/14. [QTP 87] <br />
• ‘Novel Exploration of Inequality’, Adult Learners Week, WEA East Midlands, Nottingham: 19/6/14. [QTP 86]<br />
• ‘10 Things to Know About Machiavelli’, for the Documentary Film Makers Cooperative, London: 18/5/14. [QTP 85]<br />
• ‘Government: 1974-2014’, <i>40 Years of Change</i>, South Canonry, Salisbury Cathedral Close: 3/5/14. [QTP 84] <br />
• ‘Aspiration, Aptitude, Availability', Careers Day address, University of Cambridge, 2/5/14. [QTP 83] <br />
• ‘Why Vote’, WEA, <i>Deciding Locally</i> campaign, broadcast interview: 22/4/14. [QTP 82] <br />
• ‘Leadership in Policy Development’, session for Indonesian delegation, Civil Service College, London: 20/3/14. [QTP 81]<br />
• ‘Socialism and Education’, Lecture to PDDE (Politics, Development, & Democratic Education) Masters Students, University of Cambridge: 7/11/13. [QTP 80]<br />
• ‘Enlightened Learning & the Cooperative Gestalt’, <i>Power of Adult Learning</i>, (joint conference by Learning Link Scotland, WEA Scotland, the Scottish Community Development Centre, Dyslexia Scotland, and Lead Scotland), University of Edinburgh: 23/10/13. [QTP 79]<br />
• ‘Will this be the Plutocratic Century?’, CRASSH (Centre for Research in Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities), University of Cambridge: 13/5/13. [QTP 78]<br />
• ‘Left with a Hard Choice’, Fabians & Cooperative Party event, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge: 7/5/13. [QTP 77]<br />
• ‘Democracy: Lessons in Cooperative Problem-Solving’, <i>Youth has Impact</i> Conference, Field of Dialogue Foundation & Civis Polonus Foundation, Warsaw, Poland: 15/3/13. [QTP 76]<br />
• ‘Cooperative Problem-Solving’, Take Part Network event <i>What Next for Community-Based Learning</i>, London: 6/3/13. [QTP 75]<br />
• ‘Community Development at the Crossroads’, Keib Thomas Memorial Seminar, CDNL (Community Development Network, London), London Metropolitan University: 13/2/13. [QTP 74]<br />
• ‘Education for Democracy: cooperative problem-solving’, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge: 12 &13 September/2012. [QTP 73]<br />
• ‘Positive Change Through Social Action’, WEA Oxford: 18/5/12. [QTP 72]<br />
• ‘Education with a Social Purpose’, WEA North East, Newcastle: 4/5/12. [QTP 71]<br />
• ‘Whose Politics is it anyway?’, Chinese for Labour, London: 29/2/12. [QTP 70]<br />
• ‘An Insider Look at Public Policy Development’, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge: 1/2/12. [QTP 69]<br />
• ‘Reciprocity Lost: the origins, breakdown and renewal of reciprocal society’, WEA bi-annual conference, Nottingham University, Nottingham: 29/10/11. [QTP 68]<br />
• ‘Democratic Participation and Learning Leadership’, <i>Challenges of Civic Participation</i> conference at the Sociology Institute, University of Warsaw, Poland: 15/4/11. [QTP 67]<br />
• ‘Take Part in Changing Times’, <i>Take Part</i> Conference, London: 9/2/11. [QTP 66]<br />
• ‘Top Ten Myths about Empowerment’, <i>Faith Communities: Empowering Communities</i>, the Church Action on Poverty National Conference, Broxbourne: 3/3/09. [QTP 65]<br />
• ‘Empowerment in Britain’, session for delegation from South Africa, National School of Government, London: 11/2/09. [QTP 64]<br />
• ‘Together We Can tackle the power gap’, <i>The Frontiers of Innovation</i> Conference: 20 Years of Innovation in Government, the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, University of Harvard, USA: 1/4/08. [QTP 63]<br />
• ‘Citizen Engagement’, <i>Public Engagement in Local Government: Empowering Citizens to shape their Communities</i>, CAPITA conference, London: 6/11/08. [QTP 62]<br />
• ‘Faith & Cohesion’, <i>Religion & Community Cohesion</i> Workshop, Dept of Politics & International Relations, Royal Holloway College, University of London: 18/6/08. [QTP 61]<br />
• ‘Learning from Communities’, IDeA sponsored conference on Community Consultation, 28/6/07. [QTP 60]<br />
• ‘BBC and community empowerment’, presentation to BBC news editors, convened by Kevin Marsh (Editor of the Today Programme), London: 21/2/06. [QTP 59]<br />
• ‘Re-engaging your community’, LGC (Local Government Chronicle) conference, London: 21/2/06. [QTP 58]<br />
• ‘Building Stronger Communities’, NLGN/IDeA conference, London: 2/2/06. [QTP 57]<br />
• ‘Community Engagement’, CPPS seminar, London: 26/1/06. [QTP 56]<br />
• ‘Identity, Ethnic Diversity and Community Cohesion’, Runnymede & ESRC Identities Programme Roundtable, London: 21/9/05. [QTP 55]<br />
• ‘Making Community Engagement a Priority in Citizenship Education’, joint DfES/Home Office seminar with Ministers, London: 15/6/05. [QTP 54]<br />
• ‘The Politics of Civic Anxiety’, public seminar, the Centre for Advanced Study of the Social Sciences, University of Oxford: 18/5/05. [QTP 53]<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal: Together We Can’, Joseph Chamberlain Lecture, Birmingham: 21/4/05. [QTP 52]<br />
• ‘Neighbourhood Governance’, Fabian Society, LGIU, UNISON Policy Seminar, London: 10/2/05. [QTP 51]<br />
• ‘Local Government and Civil Renewal’, CPPS conference on the future of local government, London: 14/12/04. [QTP 50]<br />
• ‘Together We Can’, conference on community engagement and civil renewal with Home Secretary & other Ministers, London: 8/12/04. [QTP 49]<br />
• ‘Civic Pioneers’, Home Office launch event, Birmingham: 9/9/04. [QTP 48]<br />
• ‘The Role of Civil Renewal’, CLES <i>Inclusive Regeneration</i> Summer School, Manchester: 29/6/04. [QTP 47]<br />
• ‘Higher Education and Community Partnerships’, the Annual Higher Education and Community Partnership Conference, University of London: 19/5/04. [QTP 46]<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal: in theory & practice’, South West Regional Seminar, University of Plymouth: 13/5/04. [QTP 45]<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal’, seminar with Home Secretary and the Home Office Ministerial team, London: 17/12/03. [QTP 44]<br />
• ‘Power and Civil Renewal’, Urban Forum Annual Conference, London: 2/12/03. [QTP 43]<br />
• ‘Communitarian Democracy’, Bertelsmann Stiftung, International Workshop on <i>Participative Democracy</i>, Berlin: 16/10/03. [QTP 42]<br />
• ‘The Future of Community Development’, <i>21st Century Community Development</i> conference, the Standing Conference for Community Development, Lougborough: 11/10/03. [QTP 41]<br />
• ‘Social Democracy in the Global Age’, Fabian Society Roundtable: 21/5/02. [QTP 40]<br />
• ‘Delivering Crime Reduction’, Ministerial Seminar, the Home Office, Queen Anne’s Gate, London: 9/1/02. [QTP 39]<br />
• ‘Equality & Diversity’, launch of the Black & Minority Ethnic Network (East of England), Cambridge: 9/4/01. [QTP 38]<br />
• ‘Tackling Crime Together’, Home Office Conference with the Home Secretary, Cambridge: 17/2/01. [QTP 37]<br />
• ‘Crime Reduction’, national public policy seminar, London: 18/1/01. [QTP 36]<br />
• ‘Citizenship at the community level’, Philosophical Quarterly conference, <i>Citizens: Towards a Citizens Culture</i>: 13/11/00. [QTP 35]<br />
• ‘Forging a New Ireland: a communitarian approach to deepening democracy’, the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, Summer School, <i>Forging a Communitarian Ireland: The deepening of democracy and civil society</i>, Ireland: 25/8/00. [QTP 34]<br />
• ‘Inclusive communities and global governance’, 12th Annual Conference of the Society for Socio-Economics, London School of Economics: 8/7/00. [QTP 33]<br />
• ‘Is there a Third Way to bridge Divided Communities?’, Citizens OnLine Conference, BAFTA, London: 23/5/00. [QTP 32]<br />
• ‘What are Communities?’, Society for Applied Philosophy, <i>Are Cities Communities?</i> Workshop, Senate House, University of London: 4/3/00. [QTP 31]<br />
• ‘What is Consultation about?’, <i>Joined Up Listening</i> conference, West Midlands Local Government Association: 24/11/99. [QTP 30]<br />
• ‘The Progressive Path to Inclusive Communities’, the School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham: 23/11/99. [QTP 29]<br />
• 'Inclusive Communities', United Nations Association Conference, <i>The Making of the Third Millennium</i>, St Edmundsbury Cathedral: 15/6/99. [QTP 28]<br />
• 'Citizenship Education: communitarian versus individualist perspectives', Philosophy & Education Renewal Group, University of North London: 15/5/99. [QTP 27]<br />
• 'Communitarianism, Power & Citizenship', Communitarian Summit, Washington, USA: 27/2/99. [QTP 26] <br />
• 'Are there common values to be taught?', International CSV <i>Learning and Serving Together</i> Conference: 4/12/97. [QTP 25]<br />
• 'The Future of Social and Moral Education', Communitarian Forum Workshop, St Edmunds College, Cambridge: 26/4/97. [QTP 24]<br />
• 'Communitarian Politics: Past, Present & Future', Joint Conference for St John's and St Anne's, University of Oxford: 20/2/97. [QTP 23]<br />
• 'Education for Citizens', seminar, the Philosophy of Education Society meeting, Cambridge: 30/1/97. [QTP 22]<br />
• 'Democratic Schools', CSV Education Conference, <i>Service Learning</i>: 12/11/96. [QTP 21]<br />
• 'Communitarian Management', the UK Management Development Network Seminar, London: 23/10/96. [QTP 20]<br />
• 'Communitarianism', the Cambridge World Issues Group: 31/7/96. [QTP 19]<br />
• 'Communitarianism & Humanism', the South Place Ethical Society: 14/1/96. [QTP 18]<br />
• 'Communities, Communitarianism and Local Democracy', the ADC (Association of District Councils) Seminar on Community Governance: 15/12/95. [QTP 17]<br />
• 'From Public-versus-Private to Communitarian Management', the Judge Institute of Management Studies, University of Cambridge: 9/11/95. [QTP 16]<br />
• 'From Markets to Communities', the Local Government Information Services, national conference, Bedfordshire: 21/8/95. [QTP 15]<br />
• 'Communitarian Marketing', Anglia Business School, Cambridge: 29/6/95. [QTP 14]<br />
• ‘Crime & Society’, the Society for Applied Philosophy's 1995 Conference: 19/5/95. [QTP 13]<br />
• 'Public Health: from Customers to Citizens', 5th Annual Symposium of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Girton College, Cambridge: 31/3/95. [QTP 12]<br />
• 'Interagency Charter', the Cabinet Office's Citizens Charter Conference: 5/12/94. [QTP 11]<br />
• 'Marketing & the Public Sector', Oxford Brookes University's Business School Marketing Forum: 1/12/94. [QTP 10]<br />
• ‘Citizens & Government Institutions’, national conference <i>Cities of Pride: Rejuvenating Britain for the Third Millennium</i>, Birmingham: 19/11/94. [QTP 9]<br />
• 'Marketing & Competition in the Public Sector', the Judge Institute of Management Studies, University of Cambridge: 8/11/94. [QTP 8]<br />
• 'Criminals and Citizens: the Quest for Responsibility', the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Philosophy Group: 24/11/93. [QTP 7]<br />
• 'Citizenship and Participatory Democracy', the Centre for Citizenship Development's Open Workshop, St. Edmund's College, University of Cambridge: 6/11/93. [QTP 6]<br />
• 'Marketing and Citizenship in the Public Sector', Anglia Business School: 4/11/93. [QTP 5]<br />
• 'Raising Ethical Awareness in Large Organisations', the Inaugural Meeting of the Ethical Business Forum, London Business School: 26/10/93. [QTP 4]<br />
• 'The Rise of Communitarianism', the Centre for Citizenship Development seminar, St. Edmund's College, University of Cambridge: 16/10/93. [QTP 3]<br />
• 'Crime & Diminished Responsibility', the Society for Applied Philosophy's London Workshop: 6/3/93. [QTP 2]<br />
• 'The Core Values of Public Service', the School of Public Policy, University of Birmingham: 7/5/91. [QTP 1]Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-32955716726072882202020-07-23T19:04:00.000+01:002020-08-06T13:15:48.122+01:00Together We Can: a resource guide<i>Together We Can</i> is a series of practical resources for cooperative problem-solving named after the policy programme developed by Henry Tam when he was the Government’s Head of Civil Renewal (Home Office), and later Deputy Director in charge of Community Empowerment Delivery (Dept for Communities & Local Government) between 2003 and 2010. The resources include both reports/advice that grew directly out of his policy work, and supplementary papers and presentations by him to highlight the key lessons for community activists and public policy makers on how citizens can cooperate together to solve the problems they face. <br />
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<b>Together We Can: resources from the civil renewal programme</b><br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/151825.pdf">Active Citizens, Strong Communities – progressing civil renewal</a>’: a pamphlet setting out the Home Secretary’s core objectives and policies. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/151933.pdf">Together We Can’ action plan</a>: the cross-government plan with commitments in the key public policy areas.<br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/152822.pdf">Annex to ‘Together We Can’ action plan</a>: with details of the proposed initiatives. <br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/151402.pdf">‘Together We Can’ 2005/2006 review</a>: reports from the Secretaries of State and Ministers on progress in 12 Government Departments. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.takepart.org/manageContent.aspx?object.id=10229&mta_htm=home">Take Part</a>’: resources for ‘Active Learning for Active Citizenship’. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/changeneighbourhoodsreport.pdf">Guide Neighbourhoods</a>’: how communities can learn cooperative problem-solving and civic activism from each other. <br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/152002.pdf"> Civic Pioneers (report for the Civil Renewal Unit)</a>: an introduction to how a group of local authorities set about enhancing their democratic engagement with local people (2005).<br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1108568.pdf">’Civic Pioneers Case Study Review’</a>: case studies of collaborative working between local authorities and citizens to improve local quality of life. (2008)<br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/321083.pdf ">Quirk Review</a>’: report on community management and ownership of public assets). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://locality.org.uk/our-work/assets/asset-transfer-unit/">Asset Transfer Unit</a>’: resources to support the transfer of assets to community-based organisations. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/">Participatory Budgeting</a>’: resources to expand the use of participatory budgeting in deciding how to allocate public resources. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/583990.pdf ">Councillors Commission</a>’: report with recommendations on how to improve the democratic role of elected local councillors. <br />
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<b>Together We Can: supplementary resources by Henry Tam on cooperative problem-solving</b><br />
• <a href="http://www.wwwords.co.uk/rss/abstract.asp?j=forum&aid=5484">‘Cooperative Problem-Solving & Education'</a>: on the evidence for suggesting why cooperative problem-solving should be taught more widely (published by the <i>Forum</i> Journal, 2013).<br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.wwwords.co.uk/pdf/freetoview.asp?j=forum&vol=53&issue=3&year=2011&article=11_Tam_FORUM_53_3_web">Rejuvenating Democracy: lessons from a communitarian experiment</a>’: a review of the Together We Can programme (Forum Journal, Vol 53, Number 3, 2011) <br />
• 'The Importance of Being a Citizen’: in <i>Active Learning for Active Citizenship</i>, ed. by John Annette & Marjorie Mayo, (NIACE, 2010)<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal: the agenda for empowering citizens’, in <i>Re-energizing Citizenship: Strategies for Civil Renewal</i>, ed. by Gerry Stoker, Tessa Brannan, and Peter John, (Macmillan Palgrave, 2007).<br />
• <i>Putting Citizens First</i>, with John Stewart (Municipal Journal/SOLACE – Society of Local Authority Chief Executives: 1997)<br />
• <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marketing-Competition-Public-Sector-Trends/dp/0582244471">Marketing, Competition & the Public Sector</a></i>, ed. by Henry Tam (Longman: 1994) <br />
• <i>Citizenship Development: Towards an Organisational Model</i> (LGMB – Local Government Management Board: 1994)<br />
• <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Serving-Public-Customer-Management-Government/dp/0582212510">Serving the Public: customer management in local government</a></i>, by Henry Tam (Longman: 1993)<br />
• ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fyNGfPgZ9M">Together We Can tackle the power gap</a>’: presentation on Innovations in Participation: Citizen Engagement in Deliberative Democracy, at the ‘Frontiers of Innovation Conference: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation in Government’ (the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, 1 April 2008, Harvard, USA) [Henry Tam’s presentation begins at 33.40 minutes into the video]<br />
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Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-47917154321152916212020-04-14T17:12:00.000+01:002020-08-06T11:49:34.059+01:00The Art of Political CriticismDr. Henry Benedict Tam is a writer, educator and policy advisor who has published extensively on how we should assess the acceptability of different political claims and government actions. His writings set out a comprehensive approach to the art of political criticism. Their respective contributions and relevance to enhancing civic enquiry are outlined below: <br />
<br />
<b>[1] Key Concepts</b> - <i>the Communitarian Case for Democracy & Cooperation</i> <br />
Ideas such as ‘freedom’, ‘cohesion’, ‘rights’, ‘responsibility’, ‘justice’, are used frequently to underpin foundational claims, even though they are often too vaguely expressed or distorted by flawed arguments. We cannot engage in fair and cogent examination of political arguments unless we clarify our use of key concepts.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">Time to Save Democracy: how to govern ourselves in the age of anti-politics</a></i></b>: sets out what democracy should entail; its relationships with civic cohesion, rational learning, and power distribution; and what needs to be done to ensure it can function effectively (“Compelling and challenging in its analysis of democracy” – Professor Diane Reay, University of Cambridge).<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communitarianism-New-Agenda-Politics-Citizenship/dp/0814782361"><b><i>Communitarianism: a new agenda for politics & citizenship</i></b></a>: sets out why inclusive communities need to be developed; the importance of cooperative enquiry, mutual responsibility, and citizen participation; and policy implications for the public, private, and third sectors (“an excellent statement of the communitarian approach to politics and citizenship” – Professor Desmond King, University of Oxford). [See also its companion volume, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progressive-Politics-Global-Age-Henry/dp/0745625797"><i>Progressive Politics in the Global Age</i></a>]<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862"><b><i>Responsibility & Personal Interactions</i></b></a>: sets out the interpersonal basis for establishing the criteria for determining when people should or should not be held responsible for their behaviour, and dispels fallacious arguments for responsibility denial. [See also its companion volume, <i>Punishment, Excuses, & Moral Development</i>)]<br />
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<b>[2] Historical Perspectives</b> - <i>Learning from Past Development</i><br />
Conflicting interpretations of the past can lead to significant differences in what values and practices are regarded as worthy of being pursued today. To move forward, we need to understand how previous problems were actually overcome, how ideas adapted over time to changing circumstances, and what reform approaches succeeded or failed.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">Against Power Inequalities: a history of the progressive struggle</a></i></b>: provides a global history of the ideas and movements involved in tackling exploitation and oppression (“history retold as a panorama of struggle, hope and co-operation [by] a master storyteller” – Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK). <br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571">The Evolution of Communitarian Ideas: history, theory, and practice</a></i></b>: provides a scholarly account of how ideas for developing more cooperative and inclusive communities developed over the centuries (“above all a powerful history of ideas, of great importance to our polarized age” – Professor Amitai Etzioni, author of The New Golden Rule). [Forthcoming from Palgrave Macmillan]<br />
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<b>[3] Practical Options</b> - <i>Guidance on State-Citizen Cooperation</i><br />
It is often suggested that what matters is what ‘works’ in practice. But what counts as ‘success’ or ‘benefits’? And what arrangements are more likely to secure them? Disagreement over what is to be done in the name of the public interest should be resolved with reference to the relevant experiences and evaluations.<br />
• <a href="https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whose-government-is-it"><b><i>Whose Government is it? the renewal of state-citizen cooperation</i></b></a>: brings together expert analyses and recommendations on how to empower citizens to have more informed and effective influence over public policies and practices (“instructive and inspiring to read … packed with insights for citizens and officials alike” – Peter Levine, Tufts University, US).<br />
• <a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/together-we-can-resource-guide.html"><b><i>Together We Can</i></b></a>: brings together (a) resources developed under the national ‘Together We Can’ cross-government programme for civil renewal and community empowerment (2003-2010) [it was showcased as an exemplar at the 2008 international meeting of the Global Network of Government Innovators (USA)], and (b) publications relating to democratic engagement, public sector development, and deliberative participation. <br />
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<b>[4] Critical Challenges</b> - <i>How to Question the Powerful</i><br />
Responsible citizens should not accept without question what they are told, but nor should they dismiss assessments or rules arbitrarily. It is important to develop a critical mindset that is disposed to deliberate with others on an evidential basis in reaching conclusions as to what merit our assent.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CSYRF8H">What Should Citizens Believe? exploring the issues of truth, reason & society</a></i></b>: gives a general introduction to the challenge of resolving conflicting beliefs in society, and includes short essays to facilitate discussions about truth and reason in a democracy.<br />
• <b><i><a href="https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html">Political Literacy and Civic Thoughtfulness</a></i></b>: highlights the problem of political illiteracy, and how it can be tackled through the cultivation of civic thoughtfulness, using the 'Synetopia' framework in assessing the level of political aptitude and identifying key actions to be taken to attain improvements. <br />
• <b><i><a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/question-powerful-resource-guide.html">’Question the Powerful’ a resource guide</a></i></b>: lists a variety of resources for promoting objective reflections and discussions about social and political topics.<br />
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<b>[5] Alternative Futures</b> - <i>the ‘Once Upon a Con’ series of dystopian satires</i><br />
These novels depict disturbing social and political trends, highlight the power of rhetoric and misdirection, and explore what kinds of resistance and reform are urgently needed (see <a href="https://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/"><i>Once Upon a Con</i></a> for an overview):<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kuans-Wonderland-ebook/dp/B008144G9I"><b><i>Kuan’s Wonderland</i></b></a>: an allegorical novel about the mysterious realm of Shiyan, where a young boy is brought before the institution known as Plutopia. “Original and very engaging” (Fantasy Book Review); “an unmissable page-turner” (President, the Independent Publishers Guild). Recommended by the Equality Trust. <br />
(For more information, go to <a href="https://www.kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/kuans-wonderland-quick-guide.html">Kuan’s Wonderland: a quick guide</a>)<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitehall-through-Looking-Glass-Novel-ebook/dp/B00J3VRGEU"><b><i>Whitehall through the Looking Glass</i></b></a>: a satirical tale about how a group of powerful corporations known as the Consortium came to take over the government of Britain and America. “[A] timely reminder of the dangers of the rapidly-accelerating corporatisation of our political and economic life.” (F. O'Grady, General Secretary, TUC); “We need Tam's absurdist vision of Whitehall to help wake us all up” (S. Duffy, Director, Centre for Welfare Reform).<br />
(For more information, go to <a href="https://www.kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/whitehall-through-looking-glass-quick.html">Whitehall through the Looking Glass: a quick guide</a>)<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Gods-Henry-Tam-ebook/dp/B01FKF212O"><b><i>The Hunting of the Gods</i></b></a>: a saga set on a much transformed Earth where immortal rulers dictate terms to subjects who are brought up to fight against their foreign enemies until a resurrected stranger reveals to them the origins of the self-proclaimed gods. Questions are raised about microbotic technology, personal identity, and the widening gap between those who have a rich and prolonged life and those have nothing but insecurity.<br />
<br />
--<br />
In addition to his wide range of writings on politics and society ('<a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/henry-tam-bibliography.html">HT: Bibliography</a>'), Henry Tam has led on many civic development initiatives through his work as Director, Forum for Youth Participation & Democracy (University of Cambridge); Head of Civil Renewal (Home Office, UK Government); Visiting Professor, Lifelong Learning (Birkbeck, University of London); and Director, Community Safety & Regeneration (Government Office, East of England). <br />
<br />
He has been a guest speaker at the World Forum for Democracy (the Council of Europe); the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation (Harvard, USA); the Institute of Sociology (Warsaw, Poland); the Society for Applied Philosophy; the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics; the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies (Washington, USA); the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation (Ireland); the London Business School; the Oxford Centre for Advanced Study of the Social Sciences; Church Action on Poverty; South Place Ethical Society; UK’s National School of Government; and many other organisations. (For a list of the talks given, go to ‘<a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/the-qtp-question-powerful-talks-series.html">The QTP Talks Series</a>’)<br />
<br />
--<br />
Catch up with his political reflections on the <a href="https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/"><i>Question the Powerful</i></a> blog; and follow his tweets on current events via <a href="https://twitter.com/HenryBTam">@HenryBTam</a>. Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-48229197906449464422019-07-06T19:02:00.000+01:002019-07-06T19:02:22.776+01:00Question the Powerful: a resource guideThe <b>‘Question the Powerful’</b> blog: <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-cooperative-gestalt.html">https://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<b>A selection of QTP essays</b><br />
• <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-cooperative-gestalt.html">'The Cooperative Gestalt'</a>: on the role of lifelong learning in developing a cooperative mindset (<i>Question the Powerful</i>, November 2013).<br />
• ‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/cooperative-problem-solving-key-to.html">Cooperative Problem-Solving: the key to a reciprocal society</a>’: on the key elements of successful cooperative problem-solving, as jointly agreed with a group of academics and practitioners (Question the Powerful, October 2012). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/case-for-cooperative-problem-solving.html">The Case for Cooperative Problem-Solving</a>’: how cooperative problem-solving can help to tackle social, economic and environmental problems (Question the Powerful, May, 2012).<br />
• <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/05/s-word.html">'The S Word’</a>: on what subsidiarity should mean in practice (2008).<br />
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<b>Synetopia Resources</b><br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-synetopia-protocol.html">Synetopia Protocol</a>: a protocol for assessing how well any group or organisation is run to enhance the common wellbeing of its members through cooperation (2015).<br />
• <a href=”http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html”>’Guide to Synetopia’</a>: a listing of short essays relating to the concept of synetopia and its applications to reforming society and institutions (2016).<br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/the-cooperative-gestalt-approach-to-csr.html">'The Cooperative Gestalt Approach to CSR'</a>: practical implications for corporate social responsibility (2015).<br />
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<b>Presentations</b><br />
• <a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/learning-more-about-cooperative-gestalt.html">’Learning more about Cooperative Gestalt’</a>: Notes from keynote speech, ‘Power of Adult Learning’ conference (University of Edinburgh, 23 October 2013).<br />
• <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJqnqdFC2VU&feature=youtu.be">'Niccolo Machiavelli’</a>: an interview with Henry Tam on Machiavelli’s advice on civic republican leadership (2014). <br />
• ‘Awareness, Agitation, Action’: presentation to WEA Oxford (May 18 2012) – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXBhYekwlMs">Part 1</a> & <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Xi4AMBBjI">Part 2</a><br />
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For a listing of ‘Question the Powerful’ essays, see: <a href="https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2014/08/question-powerful-essays.html">’Question the Powerful' essays</a><br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-37116890640124648632019-06-15T10:20:00.000+01:002019-07-06T19:06:24.769+01:00Henry Tam & Question the PowerfulDr. Henry Benedict Tam has written about politics and society in a wide range of publications ('<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/henry-tam-bibliography.html">HT: Bibliography</a>'). He has been invited to present his ideas at events hosted by state and non-governmental institutions in Europe and the US.<br />
<br />
The <i>Question the Powerful</i> project disseminates ideas and findings based on the work he has carried out in a variety of educational and policy roles: Director, Forum for Youth Participation & Democracy (University of Cambridge); Head of Civil Renewal (Home Office, UK Government); Visiting Professor, Lifelong Learning (Birkbeck, University of London); Director, Community Safety & Regeneration (Government Office, East of England); Chair, Communitarian Forum (St Edmunds College, University of Cambridge).<br />
<br />
Catch up with his political reflections on the <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/"><i>Question the Powerful</i></a> blog; and follow his tweets on current events via <a href="https://twitter.com/HenryBTam">@HenryBTam</a>. More information about the available learning resources are set out below:<br />
<br />
<b>KEY PUBLICATIONS</b><br />
<br />
<b>[1] Political Ideas</b><br />
Works that examine the key ideas relating to governance, responsibility, community, democracy, and citizenship; and explain how a civic-communitarian approach can help to resolve conflicting claims about how we should live:<br />
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• <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CSYRF8H">What Should Citizens Believe? exploring the issues of truth, reason & society</a></i></b><br />
This is ideal for anyone looking for a general introduction to the challenge of resolving conflicting beliefs in society, and for all those involved in lifelong learning who would like to have a range of materials to facilitate discussions about truth and reason in a democracy. Available as an <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CSYRF8H">e-book</a> or in <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1548183105">paperback</a>.<br />
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• <b><i><a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">Time to Save Democracy: how to govern ourselves in the age of anti-politics</a></i></b><br />
This book presents a diagnosis of what prevents democracy from functioning, and goes beyond the familiar ‘get the vote out’ ideas, to set out 9 key areas where reforms are necessary to ensure we can govern ourselves more effectively. It puts forward forty recommendations to help us avoid the twin threats of oppressive rule and debilitating chaos.<br />
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• <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Communitarianism-New-Agenda-Politics-Citizenship/dp/0814782361"><b><i>Communitarianism: a new agenda for politics & citizenship</i></b></a> <br />
This standard text on progressive communitarian ideas has been praised on both sides of the Atlantic, and nominated by New York University Press for the 2000 Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order. <br />
(For more information on <i>Communitarianism</i> and its companion volume, <i>Progressive Politics in the Global Age</i>, go to <a href="http://www.hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/find-out-more-about-communitarianism.html">Info on Communitarianism</a>)<br />
<br />
• <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">Against Power Inequalities</a></i></b><br />
A short global history on the progressive struggle against exploitation and oppression. “An intellectual tour de force” (Professor Charles Derber, US); “history retold as a panorama of struggle, hope and co-operation [by] a master storyteller” (Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK). <br />
(For more information, go to <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/against-power-inequalities-historical.html">Against Power Inequalities</a>) <br />
<br />
• <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862"><b><i>Responsibility & Personal Interactions</i></b></a><br />
An in-depth study on when people should be held responsible for their behaviour, with the proposed criteria tested against legal judgment in seminal cases. It provides a basis for exposing flawed attempts to deny responsibility.<br />
(For more information on this book and its companion volume, <i>Punishment, Excuses & Moral Development</i>, go to <a href="http://www.hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/find-our-more-about-responsibility.html">Info on Responsibility</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>[2] Policy Guidance</b><br />
The materials outlined below draw on reviews of effective practices in a wide range of institutions and personal experiences in shaping public policies, to provide guidance on how to develop cooperative communities and advance the public interest:<br />
<br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/together-we-can-practice-of-community.html"><b><i>Together We Can: the practice of community empowerment<br />
</i></b></a>‘Together We Can’ was a national cross-government programme for civil renewal and community empowerment (2003-2010) – it was showcased as an exemplar at the 2008 international meeting of the Global Network of Government Innovators (USA). Practical ideas and policy recommendations can be found amongst the resources listed <i><a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/together-we-can-practice-of-community.html">here</a></i>.<br />
<br />
• <b><i><a href="http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/by-az/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html">Political Literacy and Civic Thoughtfulness</a></i></b><br />
A guide to the problem of political illiteracy, and how it can be tackled through the cultivation of civic thoughtfulness, using the 'Synetopia' framework. This provides a basis for assessing the level of political aptitude and identifying key actions to be taken to attain improvements. <br />
<br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/cooperative-gestalt-practice-of.html"><b><i>Cooperative Gestalt: the practice of cooperative problem-solving</i></b></a><br />
The discussions with academics and practitioners via the Forum for Youth Participation & Democracy (University of Cambridge) facilitated the codification of how best to engender cooperative problem-solving. For articles and other materials on how organisations can secure more effective collaborative working to achieve their goals, see: <i><a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/cooperative-gestalt-practice-of.html">here</a></i>.<br />
<br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/serving-public-practice-of-local.html"><b><i>Serving the Public: the practice of democratic engagement</i></b></a><br />
Guidance based on research and policy work that helped one local authority gain recognition as the best in England (Braintree, 1993), another one winning the award for youth participation from the Prime Minister (St Edmundsbury, 1999), and which led to the establishment of a national network of Civic Pioneer authorities: <i><a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/serving-public-practice-of-local.html">here</a></i>.<br />
<br />
<b>[3] The Anti-Con Novels</b><br />
These novels depict disturbing social and political trends, highlight the power of rhetoric and misdirection, and explore what kinds of resistance and reform are urgently needed (see <a href="http://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/"><i>The Anti-Con Novels</i></a> for an overview):<br />
<br />
• <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kuans-Wonderland-ebook/dp/B008144G9I"><b><i>Kuan’s Wonderland</i></b></a><br />
An allegorical novel about the mysterious realm of Shiyan, where a young boy is brought before the institution known as Plutopia. “Original and very engaging” (Fantasy Book Review); “an unmissable page-turner” (President, the Independent Publishers Guild). Recommended by the Equality Trust. <br />
(For more information, go to <a href="http://www.kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/kuans-wonderland-quick-guide.html">Kuan’s Wonderland: a quick guide</a>)<br />
<br />
• <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitehall-through-Looking-Glass-Novel-ebook/dp/B00J3VRGEU"><b><i>Whitehall through the Looking Glass</i></b></a><br />
A satirical tale about how a group of powerful corporations known as the Consortium came to take over the government of Britain and America. “[A] timely reminder of the dangers of the rapidly-accelerating corporatisation of our political and economic life.” (F. O'Grady, General Secretary, TUC); “We need Tam's absurdist vision of Whitehall to help wake us all up” (S. Duffy, Director, Centre for Welfare Reform).<br />
(For more information, go to <a href="http://www.kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/whitehall-through-looking-glass-quick.html">Whitehall through the Looking Glass: a quick guide</a>)<br />
<br />
• <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Gods-Henry-Tam-ebook/dp/B01FKF212O"><b><i>The Hunting of the Gods</i></b></a><br />
A saga set on a much transformed Earth where immortal rulers dictate terms to subjects who are brought up to fight against their foreign enemies until a resurrected stranger reveals to them the origins of the self-proclaimed gods. Questions are raised about microbotic technology, personal identity, and the widening gap between those who have a rich and prolonged life and those have nothing but insecurity.<br />
<br />
<b>TALKS, ADVICE & TRAINING</b><br />
<br />
Henry Tam has been invited to share his ideas on politics and society at events convened by many diverse organisations such as WEA (Workers’ Educational Association); Church Action on Poverty; South Place Ethical Society; the BBC; National School of Government; Metropolitan Police Authority; Urban Forum; Civil Service College, and Community Service Volunteers. <br />
<br />
He has also been a guest speaker at the World Forum for Democracy (the Council of Europe); the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation (Harvard, USA); the Institute of Sociology (Warsaw, Poland); the Society for Applied Philosophy; the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics; the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies (Washington, USA); the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation (Ireland); the London Business School; the Oxford Centre for Advanced Study of the Social Sciences; and other research institutions. <br />
(For a list of the talks given, go to ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/the-qtp-question-powerful-talks-series.html">The QTP Talks Series</a>’)<br />
<br />
<b>ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION</b><br />
<br />
• Associate Fellow, the Crick Centre, University of Sheffield (2017-).<br />
• Affiliated Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge (2011-2015).<br />
• Visiting Professor, School of Lifelong Learning, Birkbeck, University of London (2008-2011).<br />
• Fellow, Globus Institute for Globalization and Sustainable Development, University of Tilburg, the Netherlands (2000-2008).<br />
• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Marketing (1993-2011)<br />
• Research Fellow, Centre for Citizenship Development, Anglia Polytechnic University (1992-1995).<br />
• Diploma in Public Relations & Marketing, CAM (Communication, Advertising & Marketing) Foundation (1988).<br />
• Ph.D in Philosophy, (Swire Scholar) the University of Hong Kong (1981-1984).<br />
• BA/MA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, (Neale Scholar) the Queen’s College, University of Oxford (1978-1981).Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-32933805465459505302018-05-14T18:53:00.000+01:002018-05-15T18:56:47.775+01:00Citizens' Right to Learn2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which set out the support and protection citizens across the world are entitled to expect from those they have entrusted with the power and resources to run their country.<br />
<br />
One of the key challenges arising from disputes over alleged violations of human rights and what actions should be taken, is how people can resolve such disputes when ignorance, deception, and misinterpretation so often get in the way. If people fail to see wrongdoing for what it is, or are duped into regarding vital interventions as unwarranted interference, the defence of human rights will face an uphill struggle.<br />
<br />
It should be remembered that Article 26 of the Declaration states not only that “everyone has the right to education”, but that “education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”. <br />
<br />
In practice, it is rare for education at any level to pay much attention to raising people’s awareness and understanding of the problem of belief evaluation. Naïve embrace of ‘freedom of expression’ as a licence to lie, incite or misdirect has enabled the enemies of human rights to subvert democracy and con millions into blaming scapegoats. What is urgently needed is a sustained campaign to boost critical learning about how to differentiate reliable claims from dubious assertions.<br />
<br />
The ‘Question the Powerful’ project, in association with the global Citizen Network, has brought out a new book, <i>What Should Citizens Believe?</i> It provides accessible resources for anyone interested in teaching, promoting, or facilitating discussions about ideas and practices that support reasoned assessment of what citizens ought to believe.<br />
--<br />
<br />
<i>What Should Citizens Believe? exploring the issues of truth, reason & society</i> is available in the following formats:<br />
E-book (£2.99): <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CSYRF8H">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CSYRF8H</a><br />
Paperback (£5.99): <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1548183105">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1548183105</a><br />
<br />
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all royalties I receive from the sale of the book in 2018 will be donated to Amnesty International.<br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-20319041322032276232018-02-20T17:42:00.000+00:002018-02-21T12:46:32.454+00:00Endangered Democracy: the Civic-Communitarian ResponseWhile there is widespread recognition on both sides of the Atlantic that democracy is not working as it should, no consensus has yet emerged regarding what is to be done about it. Some say major constitutional changes are necessary; some call for more efforts to get the vote out; and others lament the futility of trying to tackle money power, social media distortions, or – with routinely around a third of registered voters (in the US and the UK) not turning out to vote – incorrigible apathy.<br />
<br />
If we look more closely, however, at what thinkers concerned with the underlying political health of communities have been saying, we may be able to work out what prescriptions are really required. Thinkers such as Bernard Crick, David Marquand, Jonathan Boswell, and Henry Tam in the UK, or Philip Selznick, Amitai Etzioni, Michael Sandel, and Charles Taylor in North America, have been variously described as ‘communitarian’, ‘civic republican’, or in some cases both. Despite their differences on some philosophical or sociological issues, when it comes to democratic governance, they all maintain that it has to be grounded on a community of cooperating citizens.<br />
<br />
If people thought only about their own individual interests, and were disinclined or unable to take into account the concerns and reasons expressed by others, then a superficial electoral structure would not be capable of facilitating decisions that enhance the common good of the people, or improve their respective lives as interdependent citizens. On a personal basis, some would exploit the fear and gullibility of others to make unjust gains for themselves. On a collective basis, the nation would be more divided and insecure.<br />
<br />
The civic-communitarian response, to coin a term, is to press for actions to be taken to rebuild the community basis of democratic relationships. These are connected with three inter-related elements. First and foremost, there is the need to develop a real sense of togetherness among the people. A laissez faire attitude to leaving individuals to do as they please is a recipe for social fragmentation. Diversity and solidarity can be complementary only if concerted efforts are made to facilitate people learning about the distinct contributions each other can bring. Togetherness, in turn, requires objectivity in discourse. If lies, prejudices, intimidation, and misdirection were allowed to distort facts and undermine any prospect of mutual understanding being attained, people would rarely, if ever, come to see what would serve their common good, or why they should back one set of public policies rather than another for the sake of their country. Finally, togetherness can only be preserved if none has attained sufficient power to act with little regard for the consequences that may have for others, and it is recognised that people are broadly interdependent in safeguarding their overall wellbeing.<br />
<br />
Let us look at what actions should therefore be developed to rescue democracy from its perilous state.<br />
<br />
<b>Togetherness</b><br />
<br />
Democracy would be reduced to a contest among hostile factions without a sufficiently robust sense of togetherness. To cultivate it, there should be widespread opportunities for citizens to formulate shared missions through collaborative projects; move away from echo chambers to meet and get to know others at open communal events; learn to co-design civic outcomes; and engage with politicians, experts and their fellow citizens in reviewing how public actions actually affect them. <br />
<br />
Mutual respect should be promoted through techniques that enable people to understand how they might feel if they were subject to some objectionable policy or treatment being proposed for others in a similar situation. There must be more effective mechanisms to investigate and remove discriminatory rules or procedures (such as those affecting district boundaries or ID requirements) that make it more difficult for particular groups in the community to exercise their electoral power. Reconciliatory support should be readily available to bring people with conflicting views together to explore common ground and avoid escalation, except in cases where some are determined to inflict injury on others. <br />
<br />
To ensure people appreciate what it is to be members of their shared polity, there should be thorough explanations of what that membership entails in practice beyond any abstract talk of rights and responsibilities. Citizens of a country should be involved in reviewing the membership terms and conditions so that issues such as why new members may be needed, or what current members should or should not be allowed to do with money they have made in the country (e.g., moving it to offshore accounts), can be transparently addressed. <br />
<b><br />
Objectivity<br />
</b><br />
Communities’ capacity for democratic decision-making is inescapably linked to the extent to which their members can learn, reflect on, and exchange ideas in an objective manner. Although in a democratic society, no religious faith or secular ideology can be allowed to impose its doctrines on everyone, pluralism is only feasible if civil dialogues can take place as a result of all people possessing a shared understanding of what coherent reasoning and evidential examination entail.<br />
<br />
Publicly financed, but independently run institutions are necessary to review and codify truth claims, so that trusted judgements on what merit belief are derived from the latest expert assessment and informed consensus, rather than arbitrary declarations or well-funded misinformation campaigns. This applies to every level of societal interactions where an authoritative resolution of conflicting claims is sought, right up to the Supreme Court, which can hardly lay claim to impartiality when, in virtually all the cases (since 1986) where the most politically contentious issues were decided on a 5-4 majority, members of the court backed the position favoured by the party of the president who nominated them [Note 1]. Instead of relying on the backing of the majority party in Congress, the court’s membership should be dependent on the support of both Democrats and Republicans.<br />
<br />
And contrary to the myth that the freedom of speech is absolutely sacrosanct, the US has from the beginning set and enforced legal limits on irresponsible communication that may incite lawless behaviour; is unacceptable in itself (e.g., exchange of paedophilic words/images); makes use of information that belongs to someone else; contains false or misleading details; or threatens national security. There is an urgent need to apply the principles of restriction already embedded in existing laws and practices to those who use a combination of the political powers they have gained, the money provided by businesses disdainful of the public interest, and the levers of manipulation over social media, to deceive the public and undermine the sharing of factual reports.<br />
<br />
<b>Power Balance</b><br />
<br />
Honest dialogues are necessary but not sufficient to sustain democratic governance. Those with amassed power and wealth can always just ignore what citizens consider to be better options. Instead of handing all decisions to a few on the back of electoral contests that barely engage with the real issues, communities should have more quality-assured deliberative events that will empower them to select public policies and representatives. At the same time, in line with subsidiarity, more decisions ought to be delegated to those who are better placed at the local level to consider what should be done. Voting arrangements should also be improved so that people can rank their preferences rather than accept that in safe, first-past-the-post seats (the predicament facing most voters) their vote is highly unlikely to make any difference whatsoever.<br />
<br />
As the widening of wealth inequalities exacerbate the power gap between the corporate elite and the majority gripped by economic insecurity, a fairer distribution of resources should be advanced through more extensive adoption of worker cooperative practices and strengthening of public provisions to counter-balance private iniquities. Limits for financial support for political candidates must be brought down to a much lower level; and anyone who thinks that it is a side issue should be reminded that, for example, between 2004 and 2012, in each of the five bi-annual contests in the House of Representatives, over 80% of the candidates who spent more than their rivals won, while spending on federal campaigns in 2012 alone was over $6.2 billion, with 68% of that money coming from just 0.26% of the population [Note 2]. <br />
<br />
Libertarians have tried to argue that the retreat of state institutions would leave individuals with greater freedom, when in fact it would enable the most powerful corporations and the people with vast wealth or weapons to pressurise others into submitting to their demands. What is needed to strengthen democratic freedom is a two-fold enhancement of public accountability – with robust public bodies to hold individuals and corporations to account, and a network of state agencies that can investigate and take action against those holding political office, not excepting the president.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
<br />
Communitarian and civic republican thinkers may not agree among themselves or with each other on every issue. But they do have in common an important set of ideas on how fair and vibrant communities can function democratically. These ideas are not about refining democratic procedures on the margins, but go to the heart of how any system that aims to share governing power equitably among the governed has to be sustained culturally and structurally. The actions outlined above are essential to revive democratic rule. Delays in their implementation will jeopardise any chance of democracy surviving the twin onslaught of plutocratic divisiveness and resurgent extremism.<br />
<br />
-<br />
Note 1: Rodriguez, L. (2016) ‘The Troubling Partisanship of the Supreme Court’, Stanford Political Journal: <a href="https://stanfordpolitics.com/the-troubling-partisanship-of-the-supreme-court-da9fd5a900ac">https://stanfordpolitics.com/the-troubling-partisanship-of-the-supreme-court-da9fd5a900ac</a><br />
Note 2: Prokop, A. (2014) ’40 charts that explain money in politics’, Vox: <a href="http://www.vox.com/2014/7/30/5949581/money-in-politics-charts-explain">http://www.vox.com/2014/7/30/5949581/money-in-politics-charts-explain</a> (Chart 11) and (Chart 2).<br />
<br />
Henry Tam’s new book, <i>Time to Save Democracy: how to govern ourselves in the age of anti-politics</i> is available from Policy Press: <a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy</a> <br />
<br />
[<i>A version of this essay appeared previously in the newsletter of the Institute of Communitarian Policy Studies, Washington, USA, 2018</i>]<br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-20415942743156232032018-01-23T15:00:00.000+00:002018-01-25T15:04:25.577+00:00Time to Save DemocracyTo govern ourselves or not to? This is the existential question of politics. With the rise of distrust, alienation, and extremism, it is all the more difficult to secure democratic self-rule when neither those in power nor the general public seem dependable when it comes to making decisions that can transform our lives, for better or worse. <br />
<br />
In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Henry Tam’s new book, <i>Time to Save Democracy</i>, explores what should be done to revive democracy. Presenting in a clear and accessible manner, he goes beyond the familiar ‘get the vote out’ ideas, to set out 9 key areas where reforms are necessary to ensure we can govern ourselves more effectively.<br />
<br />
Against the suggestion that democracy has run its course, this book unpacks why democratic governance is indispensable and puts forward forty recommendations to help us avoid the twin threats of oppressive rule and debilitating chaos.<br />
<br />
<b>Reviews of <i>Time to Save Democracy</i></b><br />
<br />
“This is a spirited, wide-ranging defence of democracy, and a call to arms for its renewal, from someone who has practised what he preaches in both government and civil society. In the best traditions of reasoned pluralism, readers will find much to debate and argue about in this book.”<br />
- Nick Pearce, Professor of Public Policy & Director of Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath <br />
<br />
“<i>Time to save Democracy</i> is essential reading for all those concerned about the state of democracy today but even more important reading for the increasing numbers who take democracy for granted. Always compelling and challenging in its analysis of democracy, past and present, the book is also full of hope. However, this is no insubstantial optimism but rather an insightful and richly informed progressive agenda for developing democratic cooperation ... [It] provides a powerful and convincing manifesto for democracy at a time when we most need one.”<br />
- Diane Reay, Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge and visiting Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics and Political Science<br />
<br />
“We cannot be complacent about the place of representative democracy in this country and across the west. The weaknesses of current models suggest that the turbulent politics and insecurities of the day may well overturn existing democratic arrangements. Henry Tam’s <i>Time to Save Democracy</i> offers a practical guide for those of us who wish to fulfil the goals of democracy as a framework for ‘collective self-governance’ at all levels of society, from community activists up to national politicians and civil servants. It should be read and acted on.” <br />
- Stuart Weir, Founder, Charter88; and inaugural director, Democratic Audit, University of Essex.<br />
<br />
“Henry Tam’s new book sets out strategies for developing and sustaining more democratic ways of relating to each other, rooted in more equal relationships of power. This is such a timely contribution to contemporary debates.” <br />
- Marjorie Mayo, Emeritus Professor of Community Development, Goldsmiths, University of London<br />
<br />
“At a time when 42% of people entitled to vote in the UK did not do so, including 15% who did not even register, it is important to create more and better ways for people to participate in democratic decision making. Henry Tam’s erudite book will certainly aid the development of democratic practice.”<br />
- Titus Alexander, founder, Democracy Matters<br />
<br />
“In <i>Time to Save Democracy</i>, Henry Tam reminds us of the importance of collaborative learning and the development of a critical mind set, and their centrality in our pedagogical approaches. This is a call to action for anyone interested in lifelong learning and the critical links between adult education, civic engagement and democratic participation.”<br />
- Mel Lenehan, Principal, Fircroft College<br />
<br />
--<br />
Order your copy of <i>Time to Save Democracy</i> from Policy Press: <a href="https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy">https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy</a>Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-75339277777790487112017-12-07T16:27:00.000+00:002017-12-19T18:10:11.943+00:00Recovering Our Shared Ethos for Thoughtful Cooperation <b>1. What’s the problem?</b><br />
Instead of slaying the five giants of want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness, New Right advocates have since the 1970s advanced an outlook that has not only helped them grow immeasurably, but also fuelled new threats such as climate change, xenophobia, and global plutocracy. From a conventional perspective, the New Right orthodoxy is presented as the only viable option – the alternatives being some outmoded ‘hard left’ doctrines, softened conservatism, utopian dreams of anarchic harmony, or simply extremism in one guise or another.<br />
<br />
People do not readily see what other choice there is. Moderate liberal and social democratic approaches appear to be on the wane. Protest politics (e.g., anti-EU, anti-Clinton, anti-immigrants, etc) is on the rise with the outcomes often not helping those who protested or their fellow citizens. An invisibility cloak seems to have been thrown over the ethos of citizenship, reciprocity, and cooperative problem-solving. Why can’t we revive our confidence in this ethos, promote wider understanding of its relevance, and rally support for its application to tackle the critical threats our society is facing?<br />
<br />
<b>2. What is this shared ethos?</b><br />
In headline terms, it is an ethos in support of mutual respect, inclusiveness, cooperation, informed deliberations, democratic participation, practical problem-solving as opposed to doctrinaire purity, and minimum standards of security for all. It stands against arbitrary rule, corruption, hateful prejudices, deception and misdirection, rejection of rational analysis, cruelty, exploitation, and widening power inequalities. <br />
<br />
The historical figures who tend to be drawn on for inspiration (in the West at any rate) include the Levellers, the Enlightenment philosophers, Mary Wollstonecraft, Tom Paine, Thomas Jefferson, the Owenite cooperators, J.S. Mill, Abraham Lincoln, John Dewey, F.D. Roosevelt, Clement Attlee, Karl Polanyi, Hannah Arendt, Karl Pooper, R.H. Tawney, and E.F. Schumacher. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does, more effectively than any single text, illustrate the dispositions associated with the ethos that is generally sympathetic to what these figures helped to advance. <br />
<br />
<b>3. An ethos of cooperation, not a philosophy of life</b><br />
It should be pointed out at the outset that we are not looking to formulate a comprehensive philosophy of life, which can guide everyone about all their most important decisions in life. This is something people will fall back on diverse religions and secular ethics for guidance. But whatever deeply held views they may hold, if they are to co-exist in a mutually acceptable manner, they will need to follow an ethos/outlook that will enable them to engage in some form of open and fair give-and-take in establishing and supporting the social conditions that serve people well. <br />
<br />
<b>4. What difference would it make if this ethos becomes better and more consistently known and embraced? </b><br />
Throughout history, vested interests defending the exploitative status quo have always resorted to stoking up fears that any alternative would lead to an extremist nightmare. And when only extremist voices are heard, the status quo gets a pass by default. It has often taken a concerted effort to present a united front for those who want to bring in reforms that accord with a coherent, fair, and progressive alternative before public support would shift towards the new option. Alas, offers of change are now all too fragmented; and campaigns pull in all directions with no common vision or narrative.<br />
<br />
If our shared ethos can be articulated more effectively so that it is more visible and easier to grasp, it would raise the likelihood of it being recognised as an outlook that ought to be welcomed, and the related changes it champions should accordingly be more widely supported. The mere fact that it can be more consistently referred to would in itself gives it a more prominent profile.<br />
<br />
<b>5. What are we up against?</b><br />
There are two main barriers that stand in the way of developing a common language for our shared ethos:<br />
[A] The intellectual: the inclination to focus on differences and ignore substantial common ground has created a vacuum where resistance against New Right hegemony should stand. Whereas the New Right use words like ‘freedom’, ‘religion’, ‘patriotism’, ‘entrepreneurship’, in the vaguest sense to rally people with disparate views; its opponents splinter into a multitude of critics ever ready to point out the inadequacies of each other’s position, instead of joining forces to tackle their common foe.<br />
[B] The organisational: many involved in promoting reform initiatives are reluctant to associate their work with a larger platform because they do not want to lose their distinct image. With identity politics, it is a question of being seen as having unique issues to address; with thinktanks, there is the need to secure funding by presenting their work as importantly different from everyone else; and with parties and factions within parties, there is the concern with attracting more members than their close rivals.<br />
<br />
<b>6. How are we to move forward with recovering our shared ethos?</b><br />
Given that it is highly unlikely that different groups will agree to use a common language to position their shared aims, a more realistic approach would be to develop the language independently and apply it to activities of diverse reform proponents where these do reflect the underlying shared ethos. Rather than involving a selection of established organisations, which may pre-label what emerges as the ‘product’ of these organisations, a small group of individuals who are in tune with the ethos in question should work together to formulate a set of terms, narratives, and references to encapsulate the ethos. <br />
<br />
The language developed can then be used to describe groups, thoughts, proposals, that reflect the ethos. Instead of asking diverse individuals and organisations to adopt a name/narrative that they may not want to run the risk of having their own identity subsumed under, the aim should be to generate widespread use of the name/narrative as a description of the ethos and anything that exhibits its features. Learning and promotional resources can then be publicised with the same description to reinforce its use. With an increasing number of writers referring to the shared ethos in common terms, more commentators will use the language and thus further strengthen its currency. Advocates for cooperation, community development and democratic collaboration insist we are stronger together. We should start with finding a common voice for our shared ethos.<br />
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Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-78007239879362497072017-12-01T19:28:00.000+00:002017-12-02T15:15:19.693+00:00Politics & Lifelong LearningPolitics is often reduced by the media to the quarrels between and within political parties. But that is but a tiny part of the much wider struggle to resolve the many differences over how to solve the problems faced by society. <br />
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We need politics to bring about agreement on how we are to deal with those challenges that none of us alone could hope to overcome. Otherwise, the problem will simply persist; or someone powerful enough will impose a solution that may or may not work; or worse still, the problem becomes compounded by bitter conflicts over what should be done.<br />
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I have worked with WEA and other educational institutions over the years to help broaden understanding of politics, democracy, and government. In addition to the programmes that are already in place, I am now extending my support to anyone who would like to make use of one or more of the learning materials below: <br />
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• Public Issues: With a regular prompt to consider the issues raised in the latest ‘Question the Powerful’ essay (a new one is posted twice a month), you can share your ideas/queries in the comments section. Notifications of new essays will be sent to you once you have written your email address in the box on the top left of the <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/">‘Question the Powerful’ homepage</a>. <br />
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• Dystopian Fiction: If you prefer to explore political themes through novels that present alternative futures, then you are welcome to pick one from the ‘Synetopia Quest’ series and use it to engage others in a reading circle (any interpretative query can be emailed to the author directly). More details can be found here: <a href="http://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/">http://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/</a> <br />
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• Political Theory: For anyone interested in political ideas and how they relate to each other, there is the ‘Guide to Synetopia’, which lists a number of resources that can help to inform discussions about governance, cooperation, and democratic communities: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html">http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html</a><br />
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• Historical Review: You can also go on a journey through history with ‘Against Power Inequalities’ as your guide, so you can explore how power inequalities damaged society in the past and how they were countered. You can get the e-book or paperback here: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/</a> <br />
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Whichever option(s) you choose, read the materials that interest you most, invite a number of other people (from similar or diverse backgrounds/age groups etc) to join you in an informal discussion group, or register your interest in taking part in a WEA-wide learning circle. <br />
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You can contact me by email (htam.global [at] @talk21.com), and do share the link for this page with others who may be interested.<br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-72701261890794062192016-05-27T18:04:00.000+01:002016-05-29T18:17:25.922+01:00Together We Can: the practice of community empowermentAs the UK Government’s Head of Civil Renewal, I devised the national ‘Together We Can’ programme (2003-2010) as an action-learning exercise to empower citizens to cooperate with each other and with public bodies to solve shared problems, and improve their quality of life. Listed below are resources that will inform you of what the programme covered and the practices it promoted on the basis of their effectiveness in advancing community empowerment. <br />
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<b>A selection of resources</b><br />
These are all available to download for free from the given links:<br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/151933.pdf">Together We Can’ action plan</a>: the cross-government plan with commitments in the key public policy areas.<br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/152822.pdf">Annex to ‘Together We Can’ action plan</a>: with details of the proposed initiatives. <br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/151402.pdf">‘Together We Can’ 2005/2006 review</a>: reports from the Secretaries of State and Ministers on progress in 12 Government Departments. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/changeneighbourhoodsreport.pdf">Guide Neighbourhoods</a>’: how communities can learn cooperative problem-solving and civic activism from each other. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.takepart.org/manageContent.aspx?object.id=10229&mta_htm=home">Take Part</a>’: resources for ‘Active Learning for Active Citizenship’. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/321083.pdf ">Quirk Review</a>’: report on community management and ownership of public assets. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://locality.org.uk/our-work/assets/asset-transfer-unit/">Asset Transfer Unit</a>’: resources to support the transfer of assets to community-based organisations. <br />
• ‘<a href="http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/">Participatory Budgeting</a>’: resources to expand the use of participatory budgeting in deciding how to allocate public resources. <br />
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<b>Supplementary Materials</b><br />
<i>Articles</i>:<br />
• <a href="http://www.wwwords.co.uk/pdf/freetoview.asp?j=forum&vol=53&issue=3&year=2011&article=11_Tam_FORUM_53_3_web">‘Rejuvenating Democracy: lessons from a communitarian experiment’</a>: on the lessons from the ‘Together We Can’ programme and ‘Working with Communities’ initiative (first published in <i>Forum</i> Journal, Vol 53, Number 3, 2011).<br />
• 'The Importance of Being a Citizen’ (Henry Tam): in <i>Active Learning for Active Citizenship</i>, ed. by John Annette & Marjorie Mayo, (NIACE, 2010)<br />
• ‘Civil Renewal: the agenda for empowering citizens’ (Henry Tam), in <i>Re-energizing Citizenship: Strategies for Civil Renewal</i>, ed. by Gerry Stoker, Tessa Brannan, and Peter John, (Macmillan Palgrave, 2007).<br />
<i>Presentation</i>:<br />
• ‘Together We Can - tackle the power gap’, The Frontiers of Innovation Conference: 20 Years of Innovation in Government, the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, University of Harvard, USA: 1/4/08: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fyNGfPgZ9M">'Innovations in Participation: Citizen Engagement in Deliberative Democracy’</a> (Henry Tam’s presentation begins at 33.40 minutes into the video)<br />
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For a full listing of related resources, go to: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/together-we-can-resources-for.html">Together We Can: resources for cooperative problem-solving</a><br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-49246492516641292442016-05-25T18:18:00.000+01:002016-05-29T18:37:03.168+01:00Cooperative Gestalt: the practice of cooperative problem-solvingThe cooperative gestalt is the mindset required to promote shared understanding and mutually supportive behaviour. During my time as Director of the Forum for Youth Participation & Democracy (Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 2011-2015), I met with leading practitioners to establish the key ingredients that would enable the cooperative gestalt to flourish and cooperative problem-solving to spread. These include personal dispositions that need to be cultivated and organisational arrangements that should be put in place.<br />
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<b>A selection of resources</b><br />
• <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-cooperative-gestalt.html">'The Cooperative Gestalt'</a>: on the role of lifelong learning in developing a cooperative mindset (<i>Question the Powerful</i>, November 2013).<br />
• ‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/cooperative-problem-solving-key-to.html">Cooperative Problem-Solving: the key to a reciprocal society</a>’: on the key elements of successful cooperative problem-solving, as jointly agreed with a group of academics and practitioners (Question the Powerful, October 2012). <br />
• ‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/case-for-cooperative-problem-solving.html">The Case for Cooperative Problem-Solving</a>’: how cooperative problem-solving can help to tackle social, economic and environmental problems (Question the Powerful, May, 2012).<br />
• <a href="http://www.wwwords.co.uk/rss/abstract.asp?j=forum&aid=5484">‘Cooperative Problem-Solving & Education'</a>: on the evidence for suggesting why cooperative problem-solving should be taught more widely (published by the <i>Forum</i> Journal, 2013).<br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-synetopia-protocol.html">Synetopia Protocol</a>: a protocol for assessing how well any group or organisation is run to enhance the common wellbeing of its members through cooperation (2015).<br />
• <a href=”http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html”>’Guide to Synetopia’</a>: a listing of short essays relating to the concept of synetopia and its applications to reforming society and institutions (2016).<br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/the-cooperative-gestalt-approach-to-csr.html">'The Cooperative Gestalt Approach to CSR'</a>: practical implications for corporate social responsibility (2015).<br />
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<b>Supplementary Materials</b><br />
• <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/learning-more-about-cooperative-gestalt.html">’Learning more about Cooperative Gestalt’</a>: Notes from keynote speech, ‘Power of Adult Learning’ conference (University of Edinburgh, 23 October 2013).<br />
• <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJqnqdFC2VU&feature=youtu.be">'Niccolo Machiavelli’</a>: an interview with Henry Tam on Machiavelli’s advice on civic republican leadership (2014). <br />
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For a full listing of related resources, go to: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/together-we-can-resources-for.html">Together We Can: resources for cooperative problem-solving</a><br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-89621531862875856122016-05-23T18:40:00.000+01:002016-06-01T14:20:29.975+01:00Serving the Public: the practice of democratic engagementExcept in cases where the capacity for decision-making and effective action can only be taken on a broader scale – national or even transnational, political issues should be addressed as close as possible to people at the local level. Based on my experience in charge of citizen engagement in local authorities (one, Braintree, selected as the best local authority in England in 1993; and the other, St Edmundsbury, where the ‘Working with Communities’ strategy I developed won a Best Practice Award from the Prime Minister in 1999) and, later as Deputy Director in the national Department for Communities & Local Government, I have written/commissioned a range of materials that may assist others in strengthening democratic engagement.<br />
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<b>A selection of resources</b><br />
These are freely available on the internet:<br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1108568.pdf">’Civic Pioneers Case Study Review’</a>: case studies of collaborative working between local authorities and citizens to improve local quality of life. (2008)<br />
• <a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2008/05/s-word.html">'The S Word’</a>: on what subsidiarity should mean in practice (2008).<br />
• ‘<a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/583990.pdf ">Councillors Commission</a>’: report with recommendations on how to improve the democratic role of elected local councillors and facilitate citizen participation (2007)<br />
• <a href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/152002.pdf"> Civic Pioneers (report for the Civil Renewal Unit)</a>: an introduction to how a group of local authorities set about enhancing their democratic engagement with local people (2005).<br />
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<b>Supplementary Materials</b><br />
• <i>Putting Citizens First</i>, with John Stewart (Municipal Journal/SOLACE – Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, 1997)<br />
• <i><a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marketing-Competition-Public-Sector-Trends/dp/0582244471/”>Marketing, Competition & the Public Sector</a></i> (Longman 1994)<br />
• <i>Citizenship Development: Towards an Organisational Model</i> (LGMB – Local Government Management Board, 1994)<br />
• <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Serving-Public-Customer-Management-Government/dp/0582212510/">Serving the Public: customer management in local government</a></i> (Longman: 1993)<br />
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For a full listing of related resources, go to: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/together-we-can-resources-for.html">Together We Can: resources for cooperative problem-solving</a><br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-35689500594588144272016-05-02T13:00:00.000+01:002016-08-04T16:10:30.685+01:00Guide to SynetopiaInstead of relying on a blueprint for a utopia wherein unjust behaviour and prejudiced dispositions can be designed out, progressive thinkers have put forward suggestions for the practical development of inclusive communities, participatory democracy, deliberative cooperation, and other related arrangements that enable people to attain on-going improvement to their governance. There is no final, perfect form that can guarantee pervasive fairness and prosperity; but there are mutually reinforcing elements that can together raise the likelihood that better outcomes will prevail for all. When these elements are actively cultivated in any form of human association – a school, a community group, a business, a state – they constitute what is called ‘synetopia’.<br />
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For an overview of the concept, see ‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/synetopia-progress-through-cooperation.html">Synetopia: progress through cooperation</a>’. <br />
For an outline of communitarian and cooperative ideas, and further resources that provide more detailed exposition, see <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/communitarianism-synetopia.html">'Communitarianism and Synetopia'</a>.<br />
For an illustration of how synetopia can be applied as a checklist for organisational reviews, see <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-synetopia-protocol.html">Synetopia Protocol</a>.<br />
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<b>The 9 Key Elements of Synetopia</b><br />
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Each of the essays below covers the corresponding element in the synetopia model. To find out more, click on the selected title: <br />
1: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/shared-mission.html">Shared Mission</a> <br />
2: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/you-mutuality.html">You-and-I Mutuality</a> <br />
3: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/nimble-membership.html">Nimble Membership</a> <br />
4: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/educative-collaboration.html">Educative Collaboration</a> <br />
5: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/testing-of-claims-assumptions.html">Testing of Claims & Assumptions</a> <br />
6: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/open-access-to-information.html">Open Access to Information</a> <br />
7: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/participatory-decision-making.html">Participatory Decision-Making</a> <br />
8: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/impartial-distribution-of-power.html">Impartial Distribution of Power</a> <br />
9: <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/accountability-for-action.html">Accountability for Actions</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Other related essays that may be of interest to you:<br />
</b><br />
‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/six-degrees-of-cooperation.html">Six Degrees of Cooperation</a>’<br />
‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/together-we-can-resources-for.html">Together We Can: resources for cooperative problem-solving</a>’<br />
'<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/democracy-at-workplace.html">Democracy at the Workplace</a>'<br />
‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/a-place-called-synetopia.html">A Place called Synetopia</a>’<br />
'<a href="http://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/dystopian-writings-by-henry-tam.html">‘Synetopia Quest’</a>'<br />
‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/synetopia-why-what-how.html">Synetopia: why, what & how</a>’<br />
‘<a href="http://henry-tam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/goodbye-utopia-hello-synetopia.html">Goodbye Utopia, Hello Synetopia</a>’ <br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-64852737874357436072016-05-01T17:03:00.000+01:002016-05-18T17:04:37.300+01:00The Vocation of a PhilosopheNot long ago a group of students at the University of Cambridge invited me to give a talk at the ‘Career Expo’ event about my eclectic vocational journey, which zigzagged through academic research and lecturing; policy work for local authorities; support for activist organisations; publications on politics, management practice, and global history; leading government strategies on matters ranging from crime reduction to civil renewal; and writing dystopian novels.<br />
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Afterwards, someone asked if there was a central thread to the path I had taken and if so, whether or not I would recommend it for others to follow.<br />
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On the question concerning a central thread, what may appear as an unconventional mix of activities is in essence the vocation of a <i>philosophe</i>. While it is common to think of ‘philosophes’ (as distinct from ‘philosophers’) as referring exclusively to the anti-establishment writers/intellectuals active in 18th century France, the characteristics that actually mark them out as <i>philosophes</i>, can be found in the careers of many others outside as well inside France, extending into the 19th century and beyond (e.g., Joseph Priestley, Mary Wollstonecraft, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Owen, George Eliot, William Morris, H. G. Wells, Albert Camus, to name but a few).<br />
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And I would certainly encourage anyone possessing the attitudes and aptitudes outlined below to embark on the vocation of a <i>philosophe</i>:<br />
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<b>[1] Critical Empirical Reasoning</b><br />
You are quick to spot dogmatic claims and good at debunking fallacious arguments. You reject assertions that rely on mere traditions or unverifiable revelations. Instead, you are systematic in applying empirical evidence to differentiate what warrants people’s belief from attempts to deceive the public with misleading pronouncements.<br />
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<b>[2] Empathic Promotion of Reciprocity</b><br />
You have a universal sense of empathy that is not bound by prejudices against any group of people. You recognise that reciprocity is fair and effective in enhancing the common good, and you are disposed to oppose discrimination and exploitation by reminding people of our shared humanity.<br />
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<b>[3] Targeting Obstacles to Democratic Equality</b><br />
You appreciate how the biased distribution of power can widen social divisions, and trap many in ignorance and oppression. You are driven by a concern to expose attempts to con people into surrendering control to a manipulative elite, and you are drawn to practical ways to empower all to shape the decisions that affect them.<br />
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<b>[4] Spreading Educative Influence</b><br />
You acknowledge the necessity of using force as a last resort if there is no other way to protect innocent lives. But in general you prefer to rely on education, in the broadest sense, to change people’s attitudes, help them learn to reason effectively, enlighten them of better options, and advise them of new approaches to try and test.<br />
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<b>[5] Utilising Genre Flexibility</b><br />
You are skilled at switching between means of educating minds – lecturing, informal talks, detailed exposition, popular polemics, dramatic fiction, reports and commentary, guidance on public policies, training, mentoring. You make use of a variety of genres and outlets to engage people rather than devoting yourself to a single discipline or craft.<br />
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As contemporary plutocracy is reviving the arrogance and excesses of the <i>Ancien Régime</i>, we need philosophes more than ever to detoxify the oppressive atmosphere that deifies the superrich and and demonises vulnerable scapegoats. With indefatigable philosophes dispelling ignorance and prejudice, and showing how a better future is possible, we may yet see the changes we desperately need without having to endure the madness of a violent revolution.<br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-29771133343835694152016-01-11T15:10:00.000+00:002016-04-23T16:28:33.912+01:00Synetopia: why, what & howAccording to social pedagogy, learning should engage with people holistically by connecting with their heart (emotional sensitivity), head (cognitive awareness), and hands (practical know-how).<br />
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The <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/henry-tam-question-powerful.html">‘Question the Powerful’ political education resources</a> follow this approach in addressing three sets of issues concerning society and its governance. Central to them is the didactic model of <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/a-place-called-synetopia.html">synetopia</a> and the related ethos of ‘question the powerful’. The three strands are:<br />
• Why should we be concerned? (Civic Feelings)<br />
• What would be a better alternative? (Political Thoughts)<br />
• How could we bring about changes? (Democratic Actions)<br />
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<b>Why question the powerful?<br />
</b><br />
The powerful are more likely to act without adequate justification if the people whose lives they affect either take little notice of what they do, or routinely misunderstand what is going on. People’s attention needs to be roused and their sensitivity sharpened if they are to tune into what consequences are likely to follow from proposed policies. Their vigilance is the first line of defence against the irresponsible actions of those with power.<br />
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Fiction is a valuable tool to engender civic feelings because imaginative tales can not only stimulate stronger emotional responses than mere facts and figures, but they enable educators to explore contested matters in an alternate reality safe from accusations of party political bias.<br />
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For novels written to highlight contemporary political challenges, noted for their pace and originality in raising questions about a variety of dubious societal trends, look up the <b><i><a href="http://kuanswonderland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/dystopian-writings-by-henry-tam.html">Synetopia Quest</a></i></b> dystopian series. <br />
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<b>What to question the powerful about?</b><br />
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To be effective in questioning those with power, we have to focus on the purpose of holding them to account, and grasp what would differentiate responsible deliberations from flawed responses. Without the necessary understanding, wise counsel might end up being rejected, while exploitative measures could escape scrutiny.<br />
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A coherent philosophy provides a basis for the development of critical political thoughts. This does not mean that everything has to be timelessly entrenched, but what in the light of the latest available evidence stands up best to rational analysis would remain in place unless it is superseded by new findings.<br />
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For academic resources that set out the principles of assessing human interactions and where they should be improved, a historical review of what happened when the obstacles to their advancement were allowed to remain, and the roots of interpersonal responsibility, explore the <b><i><a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/communitarianism-synetopia.html">Synetopia Theory</a></i></b> of progressive communitarianism. <br />
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<b>How to question the powerful?<br />
</b><br />
Organisation is indispensable to ensure the questioning of the powerful will lead to constructive responses and appropriate changes. Firing off questions or expressing disagreement without having built a structure and culture of mutual explanations may not simply be ineffectual, but can be counter-productive.<br />
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A systematic approach to developing responsive communicative relations is needed to underpin democratic actions. This is to be applied first to the groups we can most readily influence, extended to other organisations to reshape their ethos, and then utilised in joining forces with others to seek answers from institutions that are not yet fully open to collaborative working.<br />
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For practical guidance on the steps to take to improve collective arrangements, and the techniques that would facilitate deliberative exchanges – to build an ever widening circle of enquiring citizens – see the <b><i><a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-synetopia-protocol.html">Synetopia Protocol</a></i></b> for cooperative working. <br />
Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-64176895394491672792016-01-09T12:49:00.000+00:002016-01-14T13:05:44.631+00:00Accountability for ActionAll the other elements that would enable any given human association to develop in line with synetopia rely on people being assigned responsibilities to sustain them, and there being a process to hold them accountable for their subsequent actions.<br />
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Many organisations fail because not all their members fully understand what they are expected to do; are equipped and motivated to carry out their duties; or are conscientious enough not to breach their obligations. Free riders may think they can leave it to others to do what needs to be done and they just sit back and reap the benefits when these come through. Exploiters may try to deceive and manipulate others to do what serves their own interests at the expense of others in the organisation. <br />
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To prevent the above from happening, a robust accountability system is essential to check that members fulfil the responsibilities they have agreed to take on, and intervene appropriately when they are not. No organisation can function well with some members agreeing to rules to bind others, but discarding them whenever it suits them personally.<br />
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To be effective, an accountability system must be clear what type of penalty it will administer for different kind of violation; what reward it may offer for certain contributions beyond the routine; thorough in its detection and investigation process; and consistent in its implementation.<br />
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All members must know at the outset the basic guarantees of membership, the duties that come with them, what can be earned as extra, and what may be lost if particular orders or rules are not complied with. The instructions and regulations should be simplified to aid understanding and avoid costly new layers of legal or quasi-judicial interpreters emerging to slow down, and often confuse, the accountability process.<br />
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Transparency and proportionality are critical ingredients as organisations can be corrupted by exploitative influence that diverts accountability attention from the most serious violations committed by those with the greatest power, to relatively minor infringement attributable to those with little influence. In businesses, this can be seen with board members embezzling huge funds while demanding priority be given to stopping a few workers suspected of clocking in late by a few minutes. At a societal level, there is the familiar problem with some in government preferring to cut resources from investigating wealthy tax evaders, and divert them to tracking the much smaller amounts defrauded by benefit claimants. <br />
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Finally, the guardian of probity must themselves be guarded against too. And experience would suggest that rather than having one all-powerful team or agency that no one else can hold to account, it is far more reliable to have a plurality of teams/agencies that can provide checks and balance to each other. Furthermore, independent panels of professional auditors/judges and non-expert workers/citizens should also be given a role in reviewing the work of those who routinely hold others to account. Without third party oversight, there is a serious risk that over time those with the power to hold others to account will become unaccountable to everyone else in the organisation or the country.<br />
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<i>Checklist of Appraisal Questions</i>:<br />
Are there transparent electoral or selection process to replace those with positions of authority?<br />
How easy is it to detect unjustifiable actions and call for investigation and objective judgement?<br />
Are there reliable mechanisms for all to trigger to summon potential wrongdoers to account for their actions?<br />
Are members supported in being vigilant in challenging decisions that appear to be illegitimate?<br />
Do some stay in positions of power regardless of the severity and frequency of concerns raised?<br />
Are some suspected of placing their own personal interests and/or those who bribe them above the collective interests of the group?<br />
<br />
[For a complete list of essays covering the 9 ‘SYNETOPIA’ elements, look up ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html">Guide to Synetopia</a>’]Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-10340321600679240322016-01-08T12:47:00.000+00:002016-01-14T13:05:25.844+00:00Impartial Distribution of PowerTo provide incentives to those who have to undertake harder tasks, or to establish the authority for those charged with overseeing the delivery of strategies, it is necessary to grant more power to some in an organisation or a country. But the concentration of power in some must be only for generally agreed objectives, and none should be allowed to use that power as a basis to accumulate even more power to the extent that they become a threat to others.<br />
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All accounts of human interactions around the world testify to the danger of some acquiring so much more power than others that they can manipulate, exploit and oppress them at will. The only way to prevent any social grouping – large or small – from being usurped by a powerful elite is to build in a process to review the balance of power and redistribute it impartially on an on-going basis.<br />
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Such a process has to be underpinned by a network of arbitration backed by the collective power of the entire membership. The network should include levels of appeal mechanism but no individual or teams of individuals can take it upon themselves to override the final arbitration. <br />
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Any attempt to secure greater power (in terms of arms, wealth, status or any other form of resource) must be assessed to see if it is merited and necessary. In some cases, there may be short term or emergency reasons why a few have to be given substantial power to deal with a pressing problem. But in such cases, the transfer of power must only be temporary, and reversed as soon as possible.<br />
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There will be occasions when it is argued that there is a call for significantly greater power and for it to be on a virtually permanent basis because the challenge in question is a long-term one. If the argument is valid, then the power balance in the organisation should be reviewed to ensure that the few who are entrusted with much more power will nonetheless not be able to use it to threaten or repress other members.<br />
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It is likely that such reviews will lead to a redistribution of power involving a mixture of channelling of power/resources to those in the organisation who would otherwise become too vulnerable through their relative lack of power; and strengthening particular arbitration agencies so that neither attempted threats nor bribes are likely to infringe on the impartiality of those agencies acting on behalf of the whole membership.<br />
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History has shown that if the power gap between people is allowed to widen inexorably, it will increase the scope and temptation for the powerful few to impose their will on others, and at the same time weaken everyone else’s ability to stand up to such an encroachment. It has shown that it would be a mistake to think that untenable power gaps can only be removed from dismantling all power structures. Organisation for social, economic and political development requires formal power relations. But such relations can be democratised and sustained with the help of dedicated and thorough review and redistribution of power (see, for example, ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/find-out-more-about-against-power.html">Against Power Inequalities: a history of the progressive struggle</a>’). <br />
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--<br />
<i>Checklist of Appraisal Questions</i>:<br />
Are there safeguards in place to stop individuals or sections in the group accumulating too much power in relation to others?<br />
Is there a regular and effective redistribution of power?<br />
Are concentrated powers granted for emergencies taken back in due course?<br />
Are there checks and balances so that no one can hold others to ransom by threats?<br />
Is dissent generally suppressed?<br />
Do some members show fear, resentment, distrust towards the leadership?<br />
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[For a complete list of essays covering the 9 ‘SYNETOPIA’ elements, look up ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html">Guide to Synetopia</a>’]Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-49860035296737341092016-01-07T12:45:00.000+00:002016-01-14T13:05:12.875+00:00Participatory Decision-MakingThe synetopia approach to social organisation requires key elements of how the organisation functions to be so shaped that they will reflect the mutual concerns and serve the common interests of its members. The shaping of these elements in turn depends on participatory decision-making.<br />
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Many people in positions of authority have in the past tried to dismiss the involvement of others in the decision-making of their organisations as time consuming, ill-informed, and ineffective. But the accumulated evidence in many fields (e.g., education, commerce, health, economic development, government) has shown that when people are deliberately engaged with a competent facilitator, bad decisions are reduced, mistakes minimised, efficiency is increased, and satisfaction with outcomes is consistently higher (for more on this, see ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/together-we-can-resources-for.html">Together We Can</a>’ resources). <br />
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What organisations should avoid are clumsy and often counter-productive attempts to ‘involve’ their members in making decisions without any understanding of what works and what does not. These range from asking people to vote for bureaucratic positions that no one has asked for and few know anything about (e.g., when citizens were asked to elect Police & Crime Commissioners, invented by a government to circumvent the existing police authorities, the average turnout was just 15% [2012 figures]); to packing disgruntled people into a large room, talking at them at length, before asking them to give their views on the limited options on offer. Other flawed practices include circulating dense documents or inviting comments on proposals without any relevant context.<br />
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For participatory decision-making to work, four components need to be in place. First, all those affected by the decision should have the opportunity, with the help of a facilitator, to express their concerns. Under conditions of openness and equal respect, everyone who has a relevant point to make should be given a hearing, and no one who is abusive or seeking to dominate discussions should be allowed to disrupt proceedings.<br />
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Secondly, participants should be enabled to hear from and question witnesses, experts, and anyone else currently assigned a specific responsibility to deal with the issue under discussion. This is to ensure relevant consideration is given to what possible solutions there might be.<br />
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Thirdly, participants should be encouraged to contribute any suggestion of their own, discuss with each other how conflicting positions can be resolved, and explore the implications of mutual concessions and support, before prioritising the options they are willing to support. <br />
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Finally, responsibilities and resource implications are to be agreed for carrying out the decision and for reporting back on their impact in practice. The feedback will then form the basis of a review of the decision, and inform whether further changes need to be considered.<br />
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Efforts are required to ensure marginalised voices are not ignored. Attention is needed to identify, and if necessary train up, facilitators who can be both firm and empathetic. Tension and conflict have to be sensitively resolved, not suppressed, to bring about consensus. Where large numbers are involved, representative selection or proportionate election may have to be used to obtain groups wherein meaningful deliberations can take place. But since the net effect is to cut out potentially costly mistakes and improve overall satisfaction, participatory decision-making should be an integral part of any organisation.<br />
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<i>Checklist of Appraisal Questions</i>:<br />
Are the procedures for decision-making clear to all members?<br />
How extensive are training and participation opportunities made available?<br />
How effective are they in ensuring that no one will be ignored or disrespected? <br />
Does the joint decision-making apply to how to divide and distribute the resources generated by the group?<br />
Do a significant number of members either lack the information or skills to make sensible decisions, or decline to become involved in decision making altogether?<br />
Can decisions be challenged fairly without vexatious disruptions?<br />
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[For a complete list of essays covering the 9 ‘SYNETOPIA’ elements, look up ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html">Guide to Synetopia</a>’]Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1058804641054443263.post-41174118669971277452016-01-06T12:43:00.000+00:002016-01-15T12:31:33.715+00:00Open Access to InformationMembers of any organisation or wider social grouping can only secure the other key elements of synetopia such as learning through educative collaboration and testing claims and assumptions, or formulating their shared mission and establishing who should do what on particular terms, if they can access the relevant information without hindrance.<br />
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There are usually four types of reason offered to block any request for information. [1] it would be too costly in terms of time and/or money to provide the information. [2] it is private information that should not be made public. [3] the information should be censored because it is misleading or offensive. [4] the information needs to be kept secret as otherwise it could lead to undesirable consequences in the wrong hands.<br />
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Within any organisation, any information produced, gathered, or acquired by it should be available to its members. Technology has rendered previous excuses relating to the difficulties of searching for and sharing such information largely redundant. But there may be information not yet possessed by the organisation that can have a bearing on its decisions. The organisation must in such cases have a process for considering and agreeing what additional information to purchase (if that is possible) or explore through a research project. At a societal level, a free library service is therefore essential for all citizens to access information that has been produced; and a university-based research service that will investigate matters of concern to citizens in general (and not just commercial sponsors) and make its findings public must be safeguarded.<br />
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But not all information generated or held by the individual members of an organisation necessarily belongs to that organisation. And rules on matters such as privacy and patent acquisition will need to comply with mutuality and agreed through participatory decision-making so what is shareable, and on what terms, is settled on the basis of what is overall acceptable to the organisation and its members.<br />
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As for the censorship and secrecy arguments, there are certainly cases where limits on information circulation are necessary to prevent harm, but the onus must be on those who want to block particular information to justify their position.<br />
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It is not enough to say that an information is false or misleading to withhold it. With the help of educative collaboration, and the commitment to test claims and assumptions, the veracity of any serious assertion should be checked, and where appropriate, its lack of evidential support or untenable logic should be made known. For example, it should be explained why a ‘miracle cure’ is baseless rather than forbid any reference to it when that may generate misguided interest in it.<br />
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Regarding information which is problematic because it is alleged that it can cause harm to those receiving it, or to others as a result of it becoming misused, it calls for scrutiny arrangements that will take into account the balance of harm between disclosure and restriction for the parties directly involved, and the impact on the organisation in the longer term.<br />
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It will be necessary to have in place a plurality of scrutiny bodies that are independent of those with executive authority to regulate information flow. Between them they can take on particular roles in assessing the potential harm, the implications for different information gathering and dissemination processes, and the intent and probable impact of permitting/forbidding the information in question. The consequences, for example, of some group set up to promote prejudices being offended by information about tolerance and mutual respect, are qualitatively different from those of people offended/intimidated by information that hatemongers may want to circulate to stir up social tension.<br />
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The presumption in favour of open access to information has to be reviewed by those with executive authority, who in turn must be kept in check by robust scrutiny bodies. And to ensure the scrutinisers act responsibly, they too must be held accountable for their actions in line with the <a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/accountability-for-action.html">accountability element</a> of the synetopia model.<br />
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--<br />
<i>Checklist of Appraisal Questions</i>:<br />
How reliable are the communication channels in place to facilitate inspection, audit, whistleblowing, peer review to keep wrongdoing at bay?<br />
How easy is it for members to discover and access relevant and accurate information about the group’s past performance and future options?<br />
Are there signs that many suspect systematic or reactive shielding of irresponsible actions?<br />
Is there unjustifiable refusal or obstruction to members seeking to find out more about what has been done in the group and why?<br />
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[For a complete list of essays covering the 9 ‘SYNETOPIA’ elements, look up ‘<a href="http://hbtam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/guide-to-synetopia.html">Guide to Synetopia</a>’]Henry Benedict Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317153382084185304noreply@blogger.com