romanov
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Doctor of Philosophy? What disease is that?
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virus: Exploitation: Driving Force of Politics?
« on: 2004-09-02 17:40:09 » |
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FYI, I've just posted this on the BBS. Feel free to comment on it however
you wish.
I'm interested in hearing all of the community's views on this. I'm looking
to stimulate a little debate.
Is the fear of exploitation the single most important factor in political
choice? Is it an innate drive/faculty that dominates our thinking? I'd like
everyone to give their opinion.
First, an introduction.
I've always been fascinated on the factors that drive us to make choices. In
particular, I've always been fascinated on what separates those of us who
consider themselves of the 'left' of politics with that of the 'right', and
the libertarian with the authoritarian. I've always believed myself that
political ideology is about trading off complex (and sometimes conflicting)
values. Is it really much simpler than that, however?
It recently occurred to me that perhaps the fear of being exploited by
others is such an integral part of our psychology that perhaps it is the
primary factor behind all our views, differing as they are.
The right, I believe, is primarily concerned with being exploited by those
individuals with equal or less power than they, who might en masse seek to
deprive them of status or resources. The left, on the other hand, sees the
greater threat in those with (usually much) greater resources and/or status.
Taken from that starting point, is that enough to explain all politics? Or
do other social instincts or cultural memes have a greater influence?
I'll post more on this subject over the coming few days. I'm thinking of
expanding the topic slightly, as I believe that anti-exploitation instincts
influence more than just politics, but also profoundly shape the media and
the arts too.
romanov
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