Odin2005
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Sun Nov-07-10 01:51 PM
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The essential philosophical difference between Progressives and Conservatives is... |
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Conservatives: Believe that Mankind is inherently evil, tainted by Original Sin, and only strict, authoritarian religion and subservience to one's betters can keep society going. Conservatives are inherent pessimists who reject notions of long-term human progress.
Examples: Plato, Augustine, Leo Strauss
Progressives: Believe that mankind is inherently good and that evil acts are caused by ignorance and that an open, free, and egalitarian society will help prevent the ignorance that causes evil actions. Progressives are inherent optimists who have at least an implicit faith in progress.
Examples: Socrates, The Buddha, Kant, Dewey, Popper
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de novo
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Sun Nov-07-10 01:53 PM
Response to Original message |
1. That is true. And, we have only two parties in the US, but the D or R label |
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is meaningless.
We have Conservatives on one side, including all the repugs and too many of the Dems. On the other side we have the Progressives.
All Conservatives work against the true interests of the people.
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stray cat
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Sun Nov-07-10 02:02 PM
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2. too simplistic - I hope that isn't also a progressive value |
de novo
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Sun Nov-07-10 02:04 PM
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How do you delineate? Or can you?
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OHdem10
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Sun Nov-07-10 02:10 PM
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4. Spot on: If you believe people are inheritently evil, you must |
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Edited on Sun Nov-07-10 02:17 PM by OHdem10
have authoriarian approach, Tough Law and Order, Elites run the show,(they have been Chosen) you do not owe evil people anything, cannot trust other countries--the worst possible motive is ascribed,thus Wars and on and on.
You can do the same thing with Progressive.
This is basis from which many books are written including the ones written by NeoCon hero(Leo Straus).
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Odin2005
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Sun Nov-07-10 03:25 PM
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7. Hence my mentioning of Strauss, who adored Plato's reactionary authoritarianism. |
NC_Nurse
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Sun Nov-07-10 03:02 PM
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5. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever notice how whenever Conservatives are behind |
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closed doors they engage in all the things they pretend to be against? Adultery, greed, theft, bribery, cheating, etc. No wonder they think everyone is bad, they think everyone is selfish like them.
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Odin2005
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Sun Nov-07-10 03:24 PM
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6. That goes all the way back to Augustine. |
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Augustine had a very debauched young adulthood. Then when he converted to first Manicheanism and then Christianity he became a self-hating creep who projected his issues on all humanity. It is from him our Western conception of Original Sin comes from.
I have noticed that certain misanthropic "Luddite" types have very similar tendencies even though they consider themselves to be on the Left. They are also Conservatives of a sort, they idealize the pre-Industrial past and spout "Noble Savage" BS about aboriginal peoples being at one with nature.
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Terry in Austin
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Sun Nov-07-10 04:37 PM
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8. Applying it to politics |
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Conservative aim: hierarchy Progressive aim: equality
For me, that's the hard political core of the difference you describe.
Conservatives like a world where they are in charge and lower status people serve their needs. Progressives like a world where "we're all in this together."
It's the difference between all of us taking care of each other because we're equal vs. you taking care of me because I outrank you.
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Thu May 02nd 2024, 10:17 AM
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