My concern is it seems we are no longer able to see big decisions in terms of tradeoffs. We say X is good but don't acknowledge the downsides. The other side says Y is good without doing the same.
To put it differently, we feel rather than think.
Groupthink has (or should I say had) an evolutionary advantage. And the modern world seems to be bent on exploiting those atavisms rather than helping abolish them. Knowledge is power, that's why I believe that applied psychology should be a mandatory subject in schools.
Re:Why Academic Freedom Matters (2021)
by rgrieselhuber on Monday July 25, 2022 @02:03PM
(#32228413)
Because the dialectic is a remarkably powerful tool of social division and coercion.
Dialectics teaches about unity of opposites so I don't see how it fits here.
Re:Why Academic Freedom Matters (2021)
by rgrieselhuber on Monday July 25, 2022 @02:12PM
(#32228552)
Synthesis does not equal unity.
Well, Wikipedia article on the concept is titled "Unity of opposites". Anyway, I just don't understand how dialectics has anything to do with what is being discussed. Division is opposite of both unity and synthesis.
We are woefully lacking in the ability to respond to anything with something other than cheering or frothing hatred. I don't know if the problem is actually getting worse or if it's just more visible these days, but I feel like I used to be able to see someone be called a fool without also calling for his crucifixion. Instead of criticizing and mocking we attack and attempt to destroy. If we fail we make an enemy into a worse enemy and when we succeed we make an enemy into a martyr. Fear is the wrong tool to use in the shifting of public opinion.