Glossary

Absolutism refers to a political theory or system where a ruler, typically a monarch, holds absolute power, unrestricted by a constitution, laws, or other governing factors. In absolutist regimes, the ruler's authority is considered to be derived from divine right or is seen as absolute and unquestionable. Absolutism often involves centralized control over government, economy, and society, with the ruler having final say in all matters of state.

Academic freedom is the principle that individuals involved in academia, including students, teachers, and researchers, have the right to freely inquire, discuss, publish, and teach without fear of censorship, restraint, or reprisal. It encompasses the freedom to pursue research, express ideas, and engage in open debate within the academic community, even when those ideas may be controversial or challenge prevailing beliefs. Academic freedom is considered essential for the advancement of knowledge and the fulfillment of the educational mission of universities and research institutions.

Active empathy refers to a form of empathy that involves not just understanding or feeling what another person is experiencing but also actively engaging with them to communicate that understanding and provide support or assistance. It goes beyond passive acknowledgment of someone's feelings to actively showing compassion, offering help, or taking action to alleviate their distress or improve their situation. Active empathy involves listening attentively, showing genuine concern, and responding empathetically to the emotions and needs of others.

Refers to a stance or attitude that is opposed to dogma, which is defined as a set of principles or beliefs that are accepted without question or doubt. Being anti-dogmatic means being skeptical of rigidly held beliefs and being open to questioning, inquiry, and revision of ideas based on evidence and reason. It involves a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints and to critically evaluate established beliefs rather than accepting them uncritically.

Autonomy refers to the ability or right of an individual, group, or entity to self-govern, make independent decisions, and act according to their own principles or rules without external influence or coercion. Autonomy is often associated with freedom and self-determination, allowing individuals to choose their own paths, make their own choices, and take responsibility for their actions. In contexts such as ethics, higher education, law, and politics, autonomy is considered a fundamental principle that underpins concepts of individual rights and moral agency.

Axiological pertains to the branch of philosophy that deals with values, such as those of ethics, aesthetics, or religion. It involves the study of principles and values, including ethical values, and is concerned with what is deemed valuable or worthwhile. Axiological considerations often play a role in shaping beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and they can vary widely between individuals, cultures, and societies.

Bureaucracy refers to a system of administration characterized by hierarchical authority, standardized procedures, and a specialization of functions. In a bureaucratic system, tasks and responsibilities are divided among different levels of personnel, each with their own area of expertise and authority. Decisions are made according to established rules and procedures, and there is a clear chain of command through which instructions and information flow. Bureaucracy is often associated with large organizations, such as government agencies or corporations, where efficiency, consistency, and adherence to rules are valued. However, bureaucracy can also be criticized for being slow, inflexible, and impersonal, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations.

Burn-out is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress, particularly in the context of work. It often results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, such as factories, businesses, and resources, with the goal of generating profit. In a capitalist system, the production and distribution of goods and services are primarily driven by the forces of supply and demand in a free market. Key features of capitalism include: private property, market economy, profit motive, competition, and limited government intervention. Capitalism has been a dominant economic system in many parts of the world, particularly in Western countries, and has been associated with economic growth, innovation, and wealth creation. However, it has also been criticized for fostering inequality, environmental degradation, and social alienation.

Collegial governance refers to a model of decision-making and administration where decisions are made collectively by a group of colleagues or peers who share responsibility for the organization’s management and direction. In higher education, collegial governance typically involves faculty members, administrators, and students working together to make decisions on matters such as curriculum development, academic policies, hiring and promotion of faculty, and budget allocation. This model is based on the principle of shared governance, where community members have a say in the decision-making process rather than decisions being made solely by top-level administrators.

Colonization refers to the process by which a foreign power establishes control over a territory, often with the intent of settling its own people there, exploiting the resources of the land, and exerting political and economic dominance. Historically, colonization has been associated with European expansion from the 15th century onwards, leading to the establishment of colonies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Colonization often had devastating effects on Indigenous populations, including displacement, genocide, violence, and cultural assimilation.

Communal refers to the practices, values, and behaviours that emphasize the well-being and interests of the group or community as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual needs and desires.

Communitarianism is a philosophical and social ideology that emphasizes the importance of community in the development and sustenance of individual identity and values. It advocates for a balance between individual rights and social responsibilities, arguing that the well-being of the community is essential for the well-being of its members. Communitarianism posits that personal identities and values are largely shaped by communal relationships and cultural contexts, and therefore, policies and practices should support and nurture these communal bonds.

Community cultural wealth includes the cultural knowledge, skills, abilities, and contacts possessed by socially marginalized groups that often go unrecognized and unacknowledged. Various forms of capital nurtured through cultural wealth include aspirational, navigational, social, linguistic, familial and resistant capital. These forms of capital draw on the knowledge students of colour bring with them from their homes and communities into the classroom.

Compassion is the emotional response to the suffering of others that involves a genuine desire to help alleviate that suffering. It encompasses empathy and an active willingness to provide support, comfort, and assistance.

Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the negative cost of caring. It is commonly experienced by professionals in caregiving roles, such as healthcare workers, therapists, social workers, and emergency responders. Compassion fatigue can develop over time due to prolonged exposure to the suffering of others and the stress of providing care.

Critique refers to a detailed analysis, assessment, or evaluation of something and involves examining the strengths and weaknesses of the object of critique and offering a reasoned judgment or opinion about its merits or shortcomings. In academic contexts, critique often involves a systematic and rigorous examination of ideas, arguments, or works, with the aim of identifying logical inconsistencies, factual errors, or underlying assumptions. Critique is a fundamental aspect of scholarly discourse, helping to refine and advance knowledge by subjecting ideas to critical scrutiny and debate. Critique should not be confused with mere criticism, which may be more casual or subjective in nature. A critique is typically more thorough and analytical, drawing on evidence and reasoning to support its conclusions.

Decolonization refers to the process by which colonies or territories that were under the control of foreign powers gain independence and sovereignty. It involves dismantling colonial systems of government, economy, and culture, and establishing self-governing institutions by the formerly colonized peoples. Decolonization is not just a political process but also involves addressing the legacies of colonialism, including social, economic, and cultural inequalities, and reclaiming Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions.

Deep democracy is an ecosystem in which the health of the system is dependent on everyone having opportunities and developing capacities to engage and practice a form of governance in conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty.

Deontological ethics is a moral theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves rather than the outcomes of those actions. In deontological ethics, certain actions are considered morally obligatory, regardless of their consequences, based on principles or rules. The word “deontological” is derived from the Greek word “deon,” which means “duty.” According to this ethical framework, individuals have a moral duty to act in accordance with certain rules or principles, such as honesty, fairness, or respect for others, regardless of the consequences.

Dogmatism refers to the tendency to assert opinions or beliefs as if they are incontrovertibly true, often without considering evidence, alternative viewpoints, or adequate justification. Dogmatism is often associated with closed-mindedness and intolerance of differing perspectives. It can hinder intellectual inquiry and inhibit the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and debate.

Explores how entities and their interactions within ecosystems exist and relate to one another. It emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all components within an ecological system, including both living organisms and their physical environment. Ecological ontology often involves examining how these relationships shape the identities and roles of different entities within the ecosystem, and it can extend to discussions about sustainability, environmental ethics, and the impact of human activities on natural systems.

Empathy is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves recognizing others’ emotions, putting oneself in their place, and responding appropriately to their emotional state.

Refers to the harm done to someone specifically in their capacity as a knower. This can involve testimonial injustice, which occurs when a speaker’s credibility is unjustly dismissed due to prejudice, for example, if someone is not taken seriously because of their gender, race, or social status; or, hermeneutical injustice, which occurs when there is a gap in collective interpretive resources, preventing someone from making sense of their social experiences, for example, before the term “sexual harassment” was widely known, many women’s experiences in the workplace were not adequately understood or articulated. Epistemic injustice highlights how social power dynamics can interfere with the process of knowledge production and dissemination, leading to systemic inequities for certain groups.

An ethic of care is also juxtaposed to an ethic of justice. The ethic of care emphasizes the significance of empathy, compassion, and responsiveness in directing moral conduct; it is a relational process focused on building connection and trust. Leaders who follow an ethic of care prioritize the well-being, dignity, and best interests of those whom they serve.

The ethic of community is underpinned by the belief that everyone is responsible for leadership. Anyone who cares about student success and what happens within post-secondary institutions recognizes that working toward social justice is a communal responsibility rather than that of a “heroic” leader with a vision. This ethical paradigm shifts the locus of moral agency to the community as a whole. Moral leadership is thus distributed and requires that all members of the community develop and practice interpersonal and group skills, such as working in teams, engaging in ongoing dialogue, and navigating evolving community discourse within an increasingly polarized society. In addition to being a communal affair, the ethic of community is processual, meaning that “community” is not a product nor a tangible entity but rather an ongoing set of processes led by educators and students committed to these processes. When community is defined as a process, it is based on relationships, which are dependent upon communication, reciprocity, respect, dialogue, and collaboration rather than a set of shared values.

The ethic of critique is antithetical to the ethic of justice and aims to dismantle the structures that bind society in the pursuit of more equitable outcomes. Leaders who follow this ethic believe that the ‘rule of law’ was created by those in power to maintain their power and to subjugate or oppress the powerless. Leaders aim to disrupt the status quo and advocate for the interests and needs of those underrepresented and underserved in education by critiquing, challenging, and changing the social structures and systems.  

The ethic of discomfort follows the ethic of critique and self-care in a pursuit to disrupt and challenge dominant narratives and structures that perpetuate discriminatory, racist, and misogynist beliefs and practices. Leaders who adopt this approach challenge themselves and others to critically analyze their ideological values and assumptions. To do this may require that they feel pain and discomfort by experiencing discrimination and oppression firsthand, even if artificially, and to ‘walk in someone else’s’ shoes’ to build empathy and the ability to see things from another person’s point of view. The ethic of discomfort is different from other paradigms that may seek to mitigate discomfort.

The ethic of justice, which forms the structure binding Western society, is a decision-making paradigm that relies upon existing codes, laws, legislation, and policies to determine the appropriate course of action in each circumstance. It is a rule-based decision-making perspective. Leaders who follow this ethic value maintaining order in society through a fair and even application of universal standards. Uniformity and universal individual rights are highly valued. All individuals are treated the same and justice is distributed with exact similitude.  

The ethic of self-care follows the ethic of critique; however, it is aimed inwardly at the self as the vehicle for disrupting and resisting dominant ideologies. It demands that leaders actively question and resist forms of power that operate through the regulation and normalization of individuals’ behaviours and identities by challenging how history and ‘truth’ are constituted and taught. To follow an ethic of self-care requires ongoing critical self-reflection on how one is governed by external forces, including how they may be influenced by societal expectations and institutional norms. This ethic is focused on developing oneself as more morally and ethically enlightened; it is not about dictating morality to others — it is anti-authoritarian in nature. It emphasizes the moral importance of self-nourishment and resilience, a perspective that is distinct in its focus compared to other ethics that may prioritize outward responsibilities over self-care.

The ethic of the profession is a multi-dimensional approach for decision-making that considers the ethics of justice, critique, and care alongside the leader’s personal and professional codes of ethics. The ethic of the profession places the best interests of the student at the centre of all ethical decision-making. From this perspective, educational leaders are called to provide a safe, respectful learning environment and promote quality teaching. They are informed by an established set of professional standards and must be responsible stewards of institutional resources.

Ethical pluralism is the view that there are multiple, equally valid ethical principles or moral values that can guide human conduct. According to ethical pluralism, different cultures, societies, or individuals may hold diverse ethical beliefs and values, and there is no single, universal set of moral principles that applies to all situations or contexts. Ethical pluralism acknowledges the existence of multiple valid ethical perspectives and seeks to understand and respect the diversity of ethical beliefs and values. It recognizes that what is considered morally right or wrong can vary depending on the cultural, historical, and social context.

Ethics refers to the moral principles or values that guide individuals and groups in determining what is right and wrong. Ethics provide a framework for making decisions and evaluating actions based on principles such as fairness, justice, honesty, and respect for others. Ethical considerations are central to many aspects of human life, including personal behaviour, interactions with others, professional conduct, and societal norms. Ethics help to define what is considered morally acceptable and unacceptable, and they play a crucial role in shaping individual and collective behaviour.

Ethnocentrism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture, often accompanied by a tendency to view other cultures or ethnic groups from the perspective of one’s own, leading to a bias in favour of one’s own group and a tendency to judge others based on one’s own cultural standards. Ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and conflicts between different cultural or ethnic groups.

Fascism is a political ideology and movement that emphasizes authoritarianism, nationalism, and totalitarianism. Fascist regimes are characterized by dictatorial power, suppression of opposition, strong regimentation of society and the economy, being anti-democratic, and often involves a policy of aggressive nationalism and racism.

A feminist is someone who advocates for gender equality and the rights of women. Feminism is a movement and ideology that seeks to address and dismantle the systemic inequalities, discrimination, and injustices faced by women and other marginalized genders.

Free inquiry is the principle that individuals should have the freedom to investigate, question, and explore ideas, information, and theories without undue restriction or interference. It is a foundational concept in academia and intellectual discourse, emphasizing the importance of open and critical thinking in the pursuit of knowledge.

Gender essentialism is the belief that there are inherent, fixed characteristics, attributes, and roles that are intrinsic to one’s gender. It posits that men and women have distinct and natural traits that determine their behaviour, abilities, and social roles.

Ideology refers to a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape an individual’s or group’s understanding of the world, their place in it, and their goals and aspirations. Ideologies often encompass political, social, economic, and cultural beliefs and can influence how people interpret events, make decisions, and interact with others. Ideologies can be both explicit and implicit, shaping both individual beliefs and broader societal norms and structures. They can be based on a variety of sources, including religion, philosophy, history, and cultural traditions, and can vary widely across different cultures, societies, and historical periods.

Imperialism is a policy or practice by which a country extends its power, influence, or control over other territories, often through colonization or military force. Imperialism involves the domination of one state or society over another, typically for economic, political, or strategic reasons. Historically, imperialism has been associated with European powers expanding their empires through colonization of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Imperialist powers sought to exploit the resources and labour of colonized territories, establish political control, and impose their culture and values on Indigenous populations.

A concept used in education and organizational settings to describe a commitment to creating environments that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive while also striving for excellence in all aspects of their operations. The idea is that excellence and diversity are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, organizations can leverage a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to better outcomes and a more vibrant and innovative community. In the context of education, inclusive excellence emphasizes the importance of creating learning environments that are welcoming and supportive of students from all backgrounds while also promoting high academic standards and achievement for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics.

Indigenization refers to the process of incorporating Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, values, and practices into educational, cultural, social, and political institutions that have historically marginalized or excluded Indigenous peoples. Indigenization involves incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and teaching into curriculum and pedagogy, as well as creating learning environments that are culturally relevant and respectful of Indigenous cultures and languages. It is also seen as a way to revitalize and preserve Indigenous cultures, languages, and knowledge systems.

Individualism is a social and political philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth and autonomy of the individual. It advocates for the individual’s rights, independence, and self-reliance, often highlighting the importance of personal freedom and self-determination. Individualism values the unique qualities and personal agency of each person, promoting the idea that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals and interests without undue interference from societal institutions, such as the government or community.

Interdependence is the mutual reliance between two or more groups, individuals, or systems. It emphasizes that entities are interconnected and depend on each other for resources, support, and functioning, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration.

Intersectionality is a concept used to describe how different forms of discrimination, oppression, and privilege intersect and interact with each other, creating unique experiences of discrimination and privilege for individuals who hold multiple marginalized identities. Originally developed within feminist theory, intersectionality recognizes that individuals may experience discrimination or privilege not just based on a single factor, such as gender, race, or class, but rather as a result of the complex interplay of these and other factors. For example, a black woman may experience discrimination differently than a white woman or a black man because her experiences are shaped by both racism and sexism, and these forms of discrimination intersect in her life.

Justice refers to the principle of fairness and moral rightness. It involves the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, whether in terms of rights, opportunities, or treatment. Justice seeks to uphold the law and protect individuals from injustices and discrimination.

Liberalism is a political and philosophical ideology centered on the principles of individual freedom, equality, and democracy. It advocates for a political system that protects individual rights, promotes civil liberties, and ensures a fair and just society through the rule of law and democratic governance.

Marxism is a social, political, and economic theory based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It is a critical framework that analyzes the capitalist system and advocates for its transformation into a more equitable and just society. Key concepts of Marxism include historical materialism, class struggle, capitalism, socialism, and communism.

A moral compass refers to an individual’s innate sense of right and wrong, which guides their decisions and actions. It is the internalized set of values, principles, and beliefs that helps a person determine what is morally right or wrong in a given situation. A moral compass is shaped by a variety of factors, including upbringing, culture, religion, and personal experiences. It helps individuals navigate ethical dilemmas and make decisions that align with their values and principles.

Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology that emerged in the 20th century and is characterized by a belief in free-market capitalism, limited government intervention in the economy, and the promotion of individual freedom and choice. Neoliberalism advocates for reducing government regulation and control of the economy, privatizing public services and industries, and promoting free trade and globalization. Critics of neoliberalism argue that it leads to increased inequality, undermines social welfare programs, and prioritizes profit over human well-being and environmental sustainability. They argue that neoliberal policies can exacerbate poverty, weaken labor rights, and lead to financial instability.

Non-consequentialism, also known as deontological ethics, is a moral theory that asserts that the rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend solely on their consequences. Instead, non-consequentialists argue that certain actions are morally required, forbidden, or permissible based on rules, duties, or intrinsic moral principles, regardless of the outcomes they produce.

Non-dominated discourse is a framework allowing for all voices to emerge and is based on the belief that the interests of each individual must be fairly considered; that each individual should have a fair influence over decisions emerging from discourse; that those affected by a decision should be a part of the decision-making process; and, that accountability must be directed toward those who are directly affected by a decision.

Ontology is a branch of metaphysics in philosophy that studies the nature of being, existence, and reality. It deals with questions related to what entities exist, how they can be grouped, and how they relate within a hierarchy. For example, an individualist ontological perspective emphasizes the primacy and independence of individual entities over collective or relational aspects. In this view, the basic units of reality are individuals, and the properties and identities of these individuals are not fundamentally dependent on their relationships with others. Alternatively, an ecological ontological perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of entities within an ecosystem, where the identity and existence of each entity are deeply intertwined with the relationships and interactions they have within their environment (e.g., viewing trees as part of a complex web of life involving animals, fungi, and microorganisms in the soil).

Open education refers to a philosophy and approach to education that emphasizes the creation, sharing, and use of educational resources and practices that are free to access, use, adapt, and share. Open education is based on the principles of openness, inclusivity, and collaboration, and it seeks to make education more accessible, affordable, and flexible for learners around the world.

Processual is an adjective derived from the word “process” and refers to anything related to or characterized by processes. It emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of phenomena, highlighting how they unfold over time through a series of steps or stages.

Relationality is the concept that identity, understanding, and existence are shaped by relationships and interactions with others. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a social context, where meaning and self-concept are co-constructed through relationships.

St’at’imc matriarchal leadership ethics acknowledge the inherent rights of Indigenous women in making decisions regarding their community’s health, and preserving their culture, language, and connection to the land. Leaders who follow this ethic empower youth by nurturing their strengths and enveloping them in the wisdom of their ancestors, Elders, and land. This ethic is based on the belief that children are inherently good and that it is our duty to recognize and nurture their strengths. St’at’imc matriarchal leadership ethics emphasize consensus-building, intergenerational knowledge transfer, cultural preservation and prioritize Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination.

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, refers to the emotional and psychological impact experienced by individuals who are exposed to the trauma of others through their work or personal relationships. This type of trauma often affects professionals who provide care or support to trauma survivors, such as therapists, social workers, healthcare workers, first responders, and even legal professionals.

Well-being is the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy. It encompasses various dimensions, including physical health, emotional and mental health, social connections, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. Well-being is a holistic measure of an individual’s overall quality of life and satisfaction.