|
RandalFlagg
Stranger
Registered: 06/15/02
Posts: 15,608
|
Does libertarianism have dogmatic tendencies?
#4417101 - 07/17/05 11:06 PM (18 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Every political group has more extreme members who think that only their ideas provide solutions to the problems of the world. These people are close-minded, biased, and robotic in their examinations of people, societies, governments, and reality in general.
I myself am not a %100 libertarian, but I tend to categorize myself as one because a lot of my beliefs (but definately not all) fall into the basic libertarian philosophy.
Do you think that libertarians are as dogmatic as religious wackos, hardcore communists, and communal anarchists?
Bonus observations and questions: I love the basic premises of libertarian ideas, but I know that they will never be implemented and I am unsure if they would consistently succeed in keeping the average citizen happy. I think the average person craves safety and security more than freedom and risk. People are too scared and stupid to be able to create a world that I would prefer. Libertarianism might work for me, but it wouldn't work for most other people.
Should libertarians realize this and withdraw from society? Should they reluctantly participate in society while doing what they can to uphold libertarian principles? Should they attempt to institute change in their society? Should they attempt to sway other minds to their cause? Are the current American economic and governmental systems beyond hope for libertarian leaning people?
Should one ally himself with any group (religious, political, etc...) given the possibilities of rigid and homogenous thinking (which I view as an affliction) which is inherent in groups?
|
Silversoul
Rhizome
Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
|
Re: Does libertarianism have dogmatic tendencies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#4418586 - 07/18/05 10:51 AM (18 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I myself was once engulfed by the dogmatism of libertarianism. Like any other partisan hack, I completely fell into cookie-cutter libertarian arguments without examining them. Then I started looking into other related ideologies, like Georgism and Mutualism, finding common ground with them, and helping me to see the bigger picture.
Now, as for bringing about change, I wouldn't give up too soon. The Costa Rican Libertarian Party has had remarkable success in the 10 years that it's been around. What libertarians need is intelligent and articulate advocates of liberty who can spread the libertarian message to others. It will take time, but I have faith that in time it can eventually work.
--------------------
|
Grav
Registered: 02/06/02
Posts: 4,454
Last seen: 11 years, 2 months
|
Re: Does libertarianism have dogmatic tendencies? [Re: Silversoul]
#4418647 - 07/18/05 11:15 AM (18 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
What are the core values of libertarianism?
|
zappaisgod
horrid asshole
Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 81,741
Loc: Fractallife's gym
Last seen: 7 years, 9 months
|
Re: Does libertarianism have dogmatic tendencies? [Re: Grav]
#4418687 - 07/18/05 11:29 AM (18 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Self-reliance and tolerance
--------------------
|
YidakiMan
Stranger
Registered: 09/28/02
Posts: 2,023
|
Re: Does libertarianism have dogmatic tendencies? [Re: RandalFlagg]
#4418825 - 07/18/05 12:04 PM (18 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
The bell curve dude. Populations catagorized nearly always look like a bell curve.
Even within the libertarian party; most people will be near center, some will be dogmatic libertarians (near anarchists) and some will be somewhat "liberal" that would favor public schools and various other taxes.
|
Silversoul
Rhizome
Registered: 01/01/05
Posts: 23,576
Loc: The Barricades
|
Re: Does libertarianism have dogmatic tendencies? [Re: YidakiMan]
#4418866 - 07/18/05 12:14 PM (18 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
YidakiMan said: The bell curve dude. Populations catagorized nearly always look like a bell curve.
Even within the libertarian party; most people will be near center, some will be dogmatic libertarians (near anarchists) and some will be somewhat "liberal" that would favor public schools and various other taxes.
Exactly. The libertarian party has had anarcho-capitalists like Murray Rothbard on the extreme end, "liberal" libertarians like Russell Means on the other end, and minarchists like Harry Browne in the center. The center is where most Libertarian presidential candidates tend to be. I personally tend to fall more into the "liberal" libertarian category.
--------------------
|
|