Sunday, May 24, 2009

Political Ideologies

Conservatism (reproduces inequality, for govt intervention):

- inequality as natural aspect of society. Preferable that those from the superior groups should be in positions of power in society and government.

- traditional values provide guidelines for group cooperation and individual behavior. And it is the role of institutions such as the family, the church, the government to communicate and enforce these values.

Classical Liberalism (reproduces inequality, against govt intervention):

- while equality before the law (equality of opportunity) is important, government should not attempt to create material equality (equality of outcomes). People pursue their interests in different ways and with different levels of success. Even in situations of hardship, government action is undesirable because it can undermine individual initiative and independence. Thus government should have no significant role in addressing inequalities.

- role of the government should be limited. Each person should be allowed to act with minimal constraints and free to pursue as much property and wealth as possible. Laissez-faire economy; unconstrained by government regulations.

Socialism (levels inequality, for govt intervention): a vision through which economic and political power could be directed to benefit all groups in society.

Marxist-Leninist Socialism (levels inequality, for govt intervention, use of force)

Democratic Socialism (levels inequality, for govt intervention, use of democratic means)

- emphasize the substantial reduction of inequalities in material conditions, power and status, but they do not attempt to achieve complete equality of material conditions. The approach to change is gradual, placing continued importance on the protection of individual rights and freedoms, even as it transforms the socio-economic order. The government might own some of the major economic resources in the society and it strongly regulates much of the economic system, but it does not attempt to plan and control all aspects of the economic system.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Parameters

Key Concern:
The allocation of things that are valued, whether via determination or competition or a compromise of both.

Narrative Methods:
(1) Describing the 'what'; characterization.
(2) Explaining 'how' and 'why'; causes or consequences.
(3) Prescribing the 'should'; recommendations.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

A man's character is his fate.

Heraclitus (540 BC - 480 BC)