Thanks Michael. Here are my immediate thoughts in reaction to this interesting essay.
I don't disagree with much of the detail in the assertion that there are key individual and societal characteristics that determine how our society functions. Though if I were to go through them one by one there would be some that I would contest.
But I found myself wondering about the type of world that these 12 characteristics seem to facilitate and point towards. Presumably the Realistic Vision that is referred to in the essay suggests certain inevitable outcomes for our society and that these outcomes are inexorable and beyond our control. I am imagining a world where outcomes like intolerance, exclusion, isolationism, male violence, primacy of the nuclear family and transactional interactions dominate human behaviour. This feels like a world that I thought that we had left behind long ago.
I think that we that we can choose to view the 12 premises listed by Michael, either as limiting realities that leave us little choice but to live selfish, isolated, tribal, non communal lives. Or we can see the premises as a challenge. How can we foster a more generous humanity. I think that there are plenty of examples of this all around us in all of our neighbourhoods.
Do we not believe that every citizen, regardless of their genetic makeup, intelligence, physical prowess etc. is entitled to quality health care, educational opportunities and a reasonable standard of living above the poverty line?
Or do we accept that accidents of birth mean that some live lives of privilege and others remain at the bottom of the pile.
Agree with Hayek et al-but I am unaware of any Australian activists with any credibility arguing for equality of outcomes. Further, agree that evolutionary realities make equality of opportunity a pipe dream-EXCEPT, for example, in the case of education. The segregated, grossly inequitable nature of Australia's education system is, in my view. a disgrace-not only unfair, but resulting in an appalling waste of latent talent. Posh Boys-How English Public Schools are ruining Britain is an interesting comment on the UK system--and a warning.
We don't know what is realistic in advance. Shoot for the stars (utopia) and hit the moon can be valuable, so long as we know we won't get to the stars. Also it gives us an orientation, a set of values to choose among possible alternatives and evaluate them.
Thanks Michael. Here are my immediate thoughts in reaction to this interesting essay.
I don't disagree with much of the detail in the assertion that there are key individual and societal characteristics that determine how our society functions. Though if I were to go through them one by one there would be some that I would contest.
But I found myself wondering about the type of world that these 12 characteristics seem to facilitate and point towards. Presumably the Realistic Vision that is referred to in the essay suggests certain inevitable outcomes for our society and that these outcomes are inexorable and beyond our control. I am imagining a world where outcomes like intolerance, exclusion, isolationism, male violence, primacy of the nuclear family and transactional interactions dominate human behaviour. This feels like a world that I thought that we had left behind long ago.
I think that we that we can choose to view the 12 premises listed by Michael, either as limiting realities that leave us little choice but to live selfish, isolated, tribal, non communal lives. Or we can see the premises as a challenge. How can we foster a more generous humanity. I think that there are plenty of examples of this all around us in all of our neighbourhoods.
Do we not believe that every citizen, regardless of their genetic makeup, intelligence, physical prowess etc. is entitled to quality health care, educational opportunities and a reasonable standard of living above the poverty line?
Or do we accept that accidents of birth mean that some live lives of privilege and others remain at the bottom of the pile.
Agree with Hayek et al-but I am unaware of any Australian activists with any credibility arguing for equality of outcomes. Further, agree that evolutionary realities make equality of opportunity a pipe dream-EXCEPT, for example, in the case of education. The segregated, grossly inequitable nature of Australia's education system is, in my view. a disgrace-not only unfair, but resulting in an appalling waste of latent talent. Posh Boys-How English Public Schools are ruining Britain is an interesting comment on the UK system--and a warning.
We don't know what is realistic in advance. Shoot for the stars (utopia) and hit the moon can be valuable, so long as we know we won't get to the stars. Also it gives us an orientation, a set of values to choose among possible alternatives and evaluate them.