Man and Liberalism

[TangoTwoBravo]

Ed,

Great post!

My own observation during school was as follows:

  a.  Some think that people, while fallible, ultimately know what is best for themselves.  As much as possible they should be free to pursue their own self-interest.  People get ahead based on their own drive, resources and sometimes a little luck.  At the same time, people should also be held accountable for their actions and choices.  In addition, unbridled self-interest in an lawless state would lead to chaos so you do need laws and some form of government.  In addition, there are such things as public goods (protection and security as a minimum) that do require some form of collective action. 

  b.  Some others think that people also do not know what is best for them, but that government and the intellectual elites do.  People who get ahead tend to do so by exploiting others.  People who do not had barriers placed in their way or never had a chance.  Individuals should not be held completley accountable for their actions because society or the situation is partially to blame and perhaps they never had a choice.  These folks see lots of things as public goods, while the need for protection and security would disappear if only we had even more public goods. 

Maybe my characterizations are a little unfair.   

Cheers,

2B

 

[Zarathustra]

Hmm, yeah, by equality I meant equality of outcome, social status, etc. I'm not saying that people on the liberty side are racist. Typically they are saying "We're all equals, so get to work and do like me. No need for sharing."  ;D

I don't think people promoting equality are wrong or stupid though. From their point of view it makes sense. If you are below average you benefit a lot from taxing the rich. Even if they don't get perfect equality, every dollars you get is good. Of course the rich see it differently.

But my point is all this is based on self interest, and neither side are right or wrong. They are just promoting what's best for them. They will fight on for Eons trying to prove their points, and they will never succeed. I think philosophy, politics, etc are mostly based on emotions and emotions can't be right or wrong.