Philosophy
Came across an interesting passage in, "The Meaning of 'Ethical Neutrality' in sociology and Economics," an essay of Max Weber in which he argues that there is no such thing as peace:
So, is peace possible or is it just the internalization of unavoidable struggle?
- Wonks And The Nerd Taxonomy
Heard the word "wonk" used on the radio this morning and it started me thinking. "Wonk" is used to refer to policy nerds. But, of course, there are quite distinct nerd populations, some of which are even in perpetual conflict (Hat tip to Nick...
- Are Critics Artists?
It's an old cliche, "Everyone's a critic." While it may be easy to be critical, it is not easy to be a critic. Real criticism takes a work of art, literature, or film and uses it as the basis for an insightful discussion that weaves...
- What Does "peace On Earth" Mean?
I drive past a lot of places this time of year that have banners or signs that say "Peace on Earth/Good will to men." A lot of them are not places I would generally think of as being pro-peace as I conceive of peace. So, it makes me wonder what they mean...
- "human Aggression" Poll
All Quiet on the Western Front Lew Ayres [left] with Raymond Griffith directed by Lewis Milestone 1930 Will human aggression be eliminated? No...3 Yes...0 From minor to major confrontations...human aggression just appears to be a characteristic of humanity....
- "conflict--poverty" Poll
...
Philosophy
Is Peace Just Internalized Conflict?
Came across an interesting passage in, "The Meaning of 'Ethical Neutrality' in sociology and Economics," an essay of Max Weber in which he argues that there is no such thing as peace:
"Conflict cannot be excluded from social life. One can change its means, its object, even its fundamental direction and its bearers, but it cannot be eliminated. There can be, instead of an external struggle of antagonistic persons for external objects, an inner struggle of mutually loving persons for subjective values and therewith, instead of external compulsion, an inner control (in the form of erotic or charitable devotion). Or it can take the form of a subjective conflict in the individual's own mind. It is always present and its influence is often greatest when it is least noticed, i.e., the more its course takes the form of indifferent or complacent passivity or self-deception, or when it operates as 'selection.' 'Peace' is nothing more than a change in the form of conflict or in the antagonists or in the object of conflict, or finally in the chances of selection."
So, is peace possible or is it just the internalization of unavoidable struggle?
- Wonks And The Nerd Taxonomy
Heard the word "wonk" used on the radio this morning and it started me thinking. "Wonk" is used to refer to policy nerds. But, of course, there are quite distinct nerd populations, some of which are even in perpetual conflict (Hat tip to Nick...
- Are Critics Artists?
It's an old cliche, "Everyone's a critic." While it may be easy to be critical, it is not easy to be a critic. Real criticism takes a work of art, literature, or film and uses it as the basis for an insightful discussion that weaves...
- What Does "peace On Earth" Mean?
I drive past a lot of places this time of year that have banners or signs that say "Peace on Earth/Good will to men." A lot of them are not places I would generally think of as being pro-peace as I conceive of peace. So, it makes me wonder what they mean...
- "human Aggression" Poll
All Quiet on the Western Front Lew Ayres [left] with Raymond Griffith directed by Lewis Milestone 1930 Will human aggression be eliminated? No...3 Yes...0 From minor to major confrontations...human aggression just appears to be a characteristic of humanity....
- "conflict--poverty" Poll
...