Bama
03-20-2003, 11:24 PM
I saw an interesting discussion on the differences in liberal and conservatives moral philosophy over on mefi
http://www.metafilter.com/mefi/24458
Apparently an author claims there are two models of political thought and he uses the metaphor of parents to explain them (government being the parent - citizens the child)
Strict Father: The world is essentially a dangerous place. Necessary to teach right from wrong through punishment and discipline. External discipline becomes internalized, letting the child grow strong, self-reliant and able to pursue own self-interest. By pursuing own self-interest, will grow wealthy, be strong enough to fight evil and, ultimately, produce a society where most people benefit. (Invisible Hand)
Nurturing Parent: World ought to be a nurturing place. Empathy and responsibility primary goals, as parenting is a conversation. Fairness, open communication (as opposed to obedience to authority), protection of the weak (instead of competition), community (as opposed to self-interest) and trust are the main expression of those moral values.
Seems pretty well reasoned at least on a superficial level. I know you can't break down everything into this one metaphor (and everyone doesn't fit neatly into one category or the other) but maybe it will help to understand the other side and where they are coming from.
What do you think?
<img src="http://czm.racknine.net/images/bamanation.jpg">
Thanks Bobimpact and CZM!
http://bobimpact.coolfreepage.com
FREE YERDADDY
http://www.metafilter.com/mefi/24458
Apparently an author claims there are two models of political thought and he uses the metaphor of parents to explain them (government being the parent - citizens the child)
Strict Father: The world is essentially a dangerous place. Necessary to teach right from wrong through punishment and discipline. External discipline becomes internalized, letting the child grow strong, self-reliant and able to pursue own self-interest. By pursuing own self-interest, will grow wealthy, be strong enough to fight evil and, ultimately, produce a society where most people benefit. (Invisible Hand)
Nurturing Parent: World ought to be a nurturing place. Empathy and responsibility primary goals, as parenting is a conversation. Fairness, open communication (as opposed to obedience to authority), protection of the weak (instead of competition), community (as opposed to self-interest) and trust are the main expression of those moral values.
Seems pretty well reasoned at least on a superficial level. I know you can't break down everything into this one metaphor (and everyone doesn't fit neatly into one category or the other) but maybe it will help to understand the other side and where they are coming from.
What do you think?
<img src="http://czm.racknine.net/images/bamanation.jpg">
Thanks Bobimpact and CZM!
http://bobimpact.coolfreepage.com
FREE YERDADDY