Adam Smith, perhaps the greatest theorist of capitalism, is often quoted as a great defender of business interests against the public sector. However, in his famous Wealth of Nations (1776), Smith argued: “The proposal of any new law or... more
Adam Smith, perhaps the greatest theorist of capitalism, is often quoted as a great defender of business interests against the public sector. However, in his famous Wealth of Nations (1776), Smith argued: “The proposal of any new law or regulation of commerce which comes from the order of business ought always to be listened to with great precaution, and ought never to be adopted till after having been long and carefully examined, not only with the most scrupulous, but with the most suspicious attention.” Why, we might ask, should we be so skeptical of suggestions from the business sector? “It comes from an order of people – business people -- whose interest is never exactly the same with that of the public.” That is, business people seek private profits – their interest, not our shared good, which is the public interest. Smith continues, the suggestion “comes from an order of people ... who have generally an interest to deceive and even to oppress the public.” So, because their private interests are increased at the expense of our shared good, business people have an interest in taking advantage of the public, even by deception and oppression. Lobbying provides avenues for the pursuit of business interests not practically available to ordinary citizens. According to the Canadian Lobbyist Registry, over the last 10 years, at the federal level of government in Canada, about 4,300 organizations made 309,000 lobbying contacts with federal government representatives. That is, 110 contacts-per-day every single day for the last decade. 75% of the contacts were made by businesses, business sector associations, and major business councils. That suggests both an excessive influence of private interests, very possibly at the expense of the public interest, and the possibility of deception and oppression. Lobbying ought not to be considered a legitimate form of advocacy.
Research Interests: Adam Smith and Lobbying
Noor Cultural Center, Toronto Getting Informed to Vote: Pre-Election Panels Noor is delighted to offer this series of pre-election panels, featuring expert commentary on critical election issues and different parties’ positions.... more
Noor Cultural Center, Toronto
Getting Informed to Vote: Pre-Election Panels
Noor is delighted to offer this series of pre-election panels, featuring expert commentary on critical election issues and different parties’ positions.
Location: Auditorium, Noor Cultural Centre
Admission: Free
Wednesday October 16, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Indigenous Justice | Prof Hayden King (Yellowhead Institute, Ryerson University)
National Security | Fahad Ahmad (PhD Candidate, Carleton University)
Militarism | Prof John Duncan (Ethics, Society & Law, Trinity College, University of Toronto)
Getting Informed to Vote: Pre-Election Panels
Noor is delighted to offer this series of pre-election panels, featuring expert commentary on critical election issues and different parties’ positions.
Location: Auditorium, Noor Cultural Centre
Admission: Free
Wednesday October 16, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Indigenous Justice | Prof Hayden King (Yellowhead Institute, Ryerson University)
National Security | Fahad Ahmad (PhD Candidate, Carleton University)
Militarism | Prof John Duncan (Ethics, Society & Law, Trinity College, University of Toronto)
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Popularly, discrepancy theory is being mentioned in discussions of mental wellness in the context of social media. The relevant results of Higgins influential 1987 discussion of discrepancy theory are summarized and his tentative... more
Popularly, discrepancy theory is being mentioned in discussions of mental wellness in the context of social media. The relevant results of Higgins influential 1987 discussion of discrepancy theory are summarized and his tentative treatment recommendations for depression, etc., arising from discrepancy are considered with respect to social media. It is argued that un-wellness arsing from discrepancy arising from social media is less amenable to mitigation by the same treatment recommendations. A turn to the humanities and social science is urged in order to help understand these issues.
Panelist contribution to the fifth annual Minding Our Minds conference at Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Oct 27 2016.
Co-panelists speaking on related topics:
(1) Romin Tafarodi is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto. The focus of his research is on how cultural practices, institutions, and discourses form and reform our notions of self and subjectivity. He has authored articles for many academic journals, and has contributed chapters to several books, including Self-Esteem Issues and Answers: A Source Book of Current Perspectives (2006), Self-continuity: Individual and Collective Perspectives (2008), Complex Identities in a Shifting World (2016), and Asia's Educational Miracle: Psychological, Social, and Cultural Perspectives (in press). He has been a faculty member with the University of Toronto since 1996.
(2) Claire Midgley is a graduate student and researcher with the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the Lockwood Lab, which studies on how social comparisons affect everything from relationships to pro-environmental behaviour. Claire’s research focuses on social comparisons in online contexts. She is currently studying how Facebook use may be changing the frequency, direction, domain, and outcomes of social comparisons people make in their daily lives. She is also interested in social comparisons in online dating and the role of motivation and self-esteem in these and other online comparisons.
Panelist contribution to the fifth annual Minding Our Minds conference at Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Oct 27 2016.
Co-panelists speaking on related topics:
(1) Romin Tafarodi is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto. The focus of his research is on how cultural practices, institutions, and discourses form and reform our notions of self and subjectivity. He has authored articles for many academic journals, and has contributed chapters to several books, including Self-Esteem Issues and Answers: A Source Book of Current Perspectives (2006), Self-continuity: Individual and Collective Perspectives (2008), Complex Identities in a Shifting World (2016), and Asia's Educational Miracle: Psychological, Social, and Cultural Perspectives (in press). He has been a faculty member with the University of Toronto since 1996.
(2) Claire Midgley is a graduate student and researcher with the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the Lockwood Lab, which studies on how social comparisons affect everything from relationships to pro-environmental behaviour. Claire’s research focuses on social comparisons in online contexts. She is currently studying how Facebook use may be changing the frequency, direction, domain, and outcomes of social comparisons people make in their daily lives. She is also interested in social comparisons in online dating and the role of motivation and self-esteem in these and other online comparisons.
Research Interests:
CIC Nipissing District: “Terror and Endless War” – Reflections on the Global War on Terror October 6 , 2016 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm On Thursday October 6th, 2016, the Nipissing District Branch of the Canadian International Council (CIC) is... more
CIC Nipissing District: “Terror and Endless War” – Reflections on the Global War on Terror
October 6 , 2016 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
On Thursday October 6th, 2016, the Nipissing District Branch of the Canadian International Council (CIC) is pleased to present, “”Terror and Endless War” – Reflections on the Global War on Terror.” This presentation will be made by Dr. John Duncan of Trinity College at the University of Toronto. Drawing on his research on philosophy, global terrorism and international relations, Dr. Duncan will reflect on the evolution of the war on terror in the years following 9/11 and the start of the war in Afghanistan.
This talk will be held on Thursday October 6th, 2016 from 7 – 9:00 pm at Nipissing University in Room A122. This event is free to CIC Members, members of the general public and students. It is open to all. Please register with the online registration system before Thursday October 6th, 2016 (Link below). Seating is limited.
Event Partner
Department of Political Science at Nipissing University
Date and Time
Thursday October 6, 2016
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue
Nipissing University
100 College Drive, Box 5002
North Bay, Ontario P1B 8L7
Registration
This is a free event. Please register online by clicking the button below.
Event Contact
John Allison | johna@nipissingu.ca | (705)474-3461
October 6 , 2016 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
On Thursday October 6th, 2016, the Nipissing District Branch of the Canadian International Council (CIC) is pleased to present, “”Terror and Endless War” – Reflections on the Global War on Terror.” This presentation will be made by Dr. John Duncan of Trinity College at the University of Toronto. Drawing on his research on philosophy, global terrorism and international relations, Dr. Duncan will reflect on the evolution of the war on terror in the years following 9/11 and the start of the war in Afghanistan.
This talk will be held on Thursday October 6th, 2016 from 7 – 9:00 pm at Nipissing University in Room A122. This event is free to CIC Members, members of the general public and students. It is open to all. Please register with the online registration system before Thursday October 6th, 2016 (Link below). Seating is limited.
Event Partner
Department of Political Science at Nipissing University
Date and Time
Thursday October 6, 2016
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue
Nipissing University
100 College Drive, Box 5002
North Bay, Ontario P1B 8L7
Registration
This is a free event. Please register online by clicking the button below.
Event Contact
John Allison | johna@nipissingu.ca | (705)474-3461
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This paper will be presented for the CPRA at the 2015 Congress in Ottawa, at The Jock Turcot University Centre 205, THURSDAY, 4 JUNE, 2015, second paper in the MORNING SESSION: 9:00 A.M.—12:30 P.M. An earlier version was presented: UofT... more
This paper will be presented for the CPRA at the 2015 Congress in Ottawa, at The Jock Turcot University Centre 205, THURSDAY, 4 JUNE, 2015, second paper in the MORNING SESSION: 9:00 A.M.—12:30 P.M. An earlier version was presented: UofT NDP is proud to present a discussion on Canada's military role in Iraq featuring MP Craig Scott and Professor John Duncan on November 12th, 2014, 7:00-9:00 pm in Room B025, Bahen Centre for Information Technology, 40 St. George Street.
Research Interests:
Weekly Public Lectures on Vital Global Issues Fall Term 2014. Sponsored by Science for Peace During the academic term we meet on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm in Room 140, University College, 15 Kings College Circle, U. of... more
Weekly Public Lectures on Vital Global Issues
Fall Term 2014. Sponsored by Science for Peace
During the academic term we meet on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm in Room 140, University College, 15 Kings College Circle, U. of Toronto. (That’s the NE corner of the building.) Students, faculty, and
all concerned citizens are welcome. No charge. Bring a friend.
24-Sep “Nothing Accomplished: Our War in Afghanistan"
John Duncan, Ph.D. Director, Ethics, Society, and Law Program, Trinity College, U of T
Recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiEYSn1_sjU&list=UU6rh_qo4JtrDOJeZ9eXeT3Q
Fall Term 2014. Sponsored by Science for Peace
During the academic term we meet on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm in Room 140, University College, 15 Kings College Circle, U. of Toronto. (That’s the NE corner of the building.) Students, faculty, and
all concerned citizens are welcome. No charge. Bring a friend.
24-Sep “Nothing Accomplished: Our War in Afghanistan"
John Duncan, Ph.D. Director, Ethics, Society, and Law Program, Trinity College, U of T
Recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiEYSn1_sjU&list=UU6rh_qo4JtrDOJeZ9eXeT3Q
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Academic, Social and Community-Oriented Programming – The “Ideas for the World” Programme at Victoria University in the University of Toronto Kelley Castle, John Duncan & Krista Steeves – Victoria University in the University of... more
Academic, Social and Community-Oriented Programming – The “Ideas for the World” Programme at Victoria University in the University of Toronto
Kelley Castle, John Duncan & Krista Steeves – Victoria University in the University of Toronto & Trinity College in the University of Toronto
There are many challenges facing North American universities, not the least of which is that we are often charged with having commodified learning. The massification of higher education has had clear benefits in terms of social mobility, diversification of research, and a burgeoning of what are seen to be generally more accessible university programmes. (See the report from the UNESCO 2009 World Conference on Higher Ed.) It is, though, often argued – both in popular media and in the academy itself – that these changes have had the collateral effects of levelling out the academic experience, making classes less robust and turning learning into a means to an end. The role of student life professionals in this potential crisis in higher education is important, but difficult to see. We are often thought of as working on the periphery of the academic core, and this only hampers our ability to be involved in improving the current university climate. This interactive discussion will review a new program called “Ideas for the World” which brings together students, faculty, university administrators, staff, and financially struggling community members for an intellectually rigorous and personally challenging co-curricular experience. Central to the program is the belief that work with the community need not be “noblesse oblige,” but can instead be reciprocal, meaningful, and intellectually challenging for all involved. Assessment has shown that the success of the program is largely because it bridges groups in and around the university and because it is a social and different way to approach academic learning.
Kelley Castle, John Duncan & Krista Steeves – Victoria University in the University of Toronto & Trinity College in the University of Toronto
There are many challenges facing North American universities, not the least of which is that we are often charged with having commodified learning. The massification of higher education has had clear benefits in terms of social mobility, diversification of research, and a burgeoning of what are seen to be generally more accessible university programmes. (See the report from the UNESCO 2009 World Conference on Higher Ed.) It is, though, often argued – both in popular media and in the academy itself – that these changes have had the collateral effects of levelling out the academic experience, making classes less robust and turning learning into a means to an end. The role of student life professionals in this potential crisis in higher education is important, but difficult to see. We are often thought of as working on the periphery of the academic core, and this only hampers our ability to be involved in improving the current university climate. This interactive discussion will review a new program called “Ideas for the World” which brings together students, faculty, university administrators, staff, and financially struggling community members for an intellectually rigorous and personally challenging co-curricular experience. Central to the program is the belief that work with the community need not be “noblesse oblige,” but can instead be reciprocal, meaningful, and intellectually challenging for all involved. Assessment has shown that the success of the program is largely because it bridges groups in and around the university and because it is a social and different way to approach academic learning.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Afghanistan and Just War
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Polls show that Canadians believe that Canada has a significant heritage of peacekeeping. However, many pundits argue that Canada has really pursued national interests in foreign conflict situations, and that peacekeeping has never guided... more
Polls show that Canadians believe that Canada has a significant heritage of peacekeeping. However, many pundits argue that Canada has really pursued national interests in foreign conflict situations, and that peacekeeping has never guided Canadian foreign policy. Recently, the pundits say, Canadian foreign policy aims have been primarily to improve Canadian credibility at the table of international affairs, which for Canada is a table dominated by the United States. Canadians have to interpret national policy and action between the perception of peacekeeping and the realities of international credibility. From the perspective of elements of Canadian peace movements, the perception of peacekeeping is used as a normative standard against which to evaluate Canadian foreign policy and hold it accountable. However, the dangers of such immanent critique must be acknowledged. Proponents of policy aims in accordance with the realities of international credibility have deployed Canadian perceptions of peacekeeping to cloak the pursuit of real interests within the perceptions of peacekeeping.