Too much of a good thing?
Optima Justitia
13-04-2005, 00:32
Imagine this scenario: someone is attracted to leftist politics. They therefore reason that if leftist politics are good, then the more leftist the politics, the better, and hence they end up way at the far left end of the spectrum (or deep into lower left quadrant if you prefer a two-axis system). Needless to say, the same scenario could occur with a rightist, libertarian, or authoritarian/statist.
In your opinion, is it true or false in politics that the more extreme a good position or ideal, the better?
Imagine this scenario: someone is attracted to leftist politics. They therefore reason that if leftist politics are good, then the more leftist the politics, the better, and hence they end up way at the far left end of the spectrum (or deep into lower left quadrant if you prefer a two-axis system). Needless to say, the same scenario could occur with a rightist, libertarian, or authoritarian/statist.
In your opinion, is it true or false in politics that the more extreme a good position or ideal, the better?
i believe there are certain issues on which there can be no compromise. "extremism" on issues is sometimes the only just path. however, i don't think there is any broad political ideology which will be ideal when taken to its most extreme form.
Afghregastan
13-04-2005, 01:24
Imagine this scenario: someone is attracted to leftist politics. They therefore reason that if leftist politics are good, then the more leftist the politics, the better, and hence they end up way at the far left end of the spectrum (or deep into lower left quadrant if you prefer a two-axis system). Needless to say, the same scenario could occur with a rightist, libertarian, or authoritarian/statist.
In your opinion, is it true or false in politics that the more extreme a good position or ideal, the better?
Abolition of slavery was once considered extreme, so was women's suffrage and desegregation. Abolition of gov't is thought of as extreme. Communism, corporatism, capitalism and anarchism are all considered extreme.
So... yes and no are my answers. You are going to have to reframe the question.
OOC: Hi OJ! Remember me? :)
IC: I think extremism comes in waves. At one time, yelling "Damn it" was considered extreme. Now it's a moderate swear word, replaced by "F*** it". One day the F-word will be a moderate swear word, replaced by something even stronger ("Vhxtzgk"?). Likewise, today's radical politics will be tomorrow's moderate ones, and the day after's conservative ones. So I can't really answer your question.
Imagine this scenario: someone is attracted to leftist politics. They therefore reason that if leftist politics are good, then the more leftist the politics, the better, and hence they end up way at the far left end of the spectrum (or deep into lower left quadrant if you prefer a two-axis system). Needless to say, the same scenario could occur with a rightist, libertarian, or authoritarian/statist.Do you mean to refer to liberal politics as "good"? That would imply that conservative politics are "bad" or "wrong" and anger a lot of conservatives. Just a thought.
Patra Caesar
17-04-2005, 03:09
The further away from the centre you are the more dangerous it becomes IMHO. This however does not mean that bad outcomes must come if you are an extreamist, but I think it is more likely...
The Internet Tough Guy
17-04-2005, 04:16
Extreme views alone are rarely bad, it is extreme methods that are the problem.
Great Beer and Food
17-04-2005, 04:27
Imagine this scenario: someone is attracted to leftist politics. They therefore reason that if leftist politics are good, then the more leftist the politics, the better, and hence they end up way at the far left end of the spectrum (or deep into lower left quadrant if you prefer a two-axis system). Needless to say, the same scenario could occur with a rightist, libertarian, or authoritarian/statist.
In your opinion, is it true or false in politics that the more extreme a good position or ideal, the better?
Centrism is always the best policy, however, in times of emergency, extremism is inevitable and becomes reasonable.
The further away from the centre you are the more dangerous it becomes IMHO. This however does not mean that bad outcomes must come if you are an extreamist, but I think it is more likely...
Being in the center is the most dangerous place. The myth is that there is a 'norm' in the center. There is not. Normal is having opinions which are thoughtful, personal, independant, consistient and your own. The center can never be defined as this. The center is stimied by inertia and indecision or swept up by mob mentality when rational thought is at a premium.
I've far more respect for someone who considers both sides and makes a conciencious decision (even a wrong one!) than for someone who rationalizes indecision.
Centrism is always the best policy, however, in times of emergency, extremism is inevitable and becomes reasonable.
LOL!
Yes, indecision rocks!
And absolutes are always right!
Arachnae
17-04-2005, 04:40
No country can be too far right or left. Especially Left. Thats why Communism and Faschism fail, too far to one side. :sniper:
Centrism is always the best policy, however, in times of emergency, extremism is inevitable and becomes reasonable.LOL!
Yes, indecision rocks!
And absolutes are always right!Please don't make the mistake of confusing centrism with indecision, libertarianism with anarchy, and socialism with communism. They are very different.