What are the major things that form peoples' views on politics?  I've
been thinking about this a lot, too.  It's not so cut and dry as other
beliefs.

I came up with this.  The biggest factor that shape peoples' politics is
somewhat selfish:  What will he or she (or their beliefs or promises) do
for me?

In other words, what best fits my own personal agenda?  It could be
money, as in lowering taxes.  It could be my sense of right and wrong.
It could be based on more altruistic beliefs, such as global warming or
the environment.

I think discussion about politics can be beneficial.  But I think it may
be more difficult for a person to change their core beliefs.

Lindy

-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf
Of Gerhard Fiedler
Sent: 2. elokuuta 2008 14:47
To: piclist@mit.edu
Subject: Re: [OT] politics - I shouldn't be posting
itanywaybutIhavenorestraint

Rich wrote:

> I like your perspective on this, Gerhard.  However, the extent to
which
> "pure reason" can produce results is limited, and the "law of
unintended
> consequences" as you point out reveals itself.  

Right. That's where intent comes in, and knowing yourself well, to the
point of really, really being clear about your intent. That's not easy,
far
more difficult than "reasoning purely", but still a worthwhile goal IMO.
This is also where intuition comes in, the means we have to get a grasp
on
things that are outside the reach of reason and science. Same as above
applies...

> I am reminded of Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" and later
> "Prolegomena."

I find Kant too dry to be useful for me... :)

Gerhard
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