Are science/reason and liberal democracy natural allies?
Many think so. But this is a misconception, because these two have been for a long time dominating cultural forces of what we used to call the "West".
Once upon a time in the West... the three forces capitalism, democracy and science came together to form a felicitous and successful symbiosis, first in England, then in the USA. This symbiosis is not natural or even inevitable, but the outcome of a historical coincidence, and this symbiosis has been lasting for so long because the country where these three thrived most, the USA, came to dominate the world (or large parts of the world) - also due to historical coincidence, not due to destiny or necessity.
And what helped to maintain this symbiotic threesome was not their inherent nature, but the fact that they had to join forces to overcome external enemies: first the Germans (twice), then Communism. (I know this picture is very sketchy, but for the sake of argument it will do)
When these enemies where defeated, the seemingly "natural" symbiosis of capitalism, democracy and science started to unravel: first, "democratic capitalism" became unfettered capitalism, which began to undermine democracy, or to be precise: liberal democracy, and morphed the old and reliable anchor of the West, the USA, into a plutocracy.
But what about science and liberal democracy? Are they natural allies? No, because science - even if its admirers do not like this - is a venal lover, aka a prostitute, who gives herself up to all those who have enough money. Currently much of cutting-edge science is done in China, especially AI and genetic engineering, and we all know that the results of the research will not be used to further liberal democracy, but to smother and suppress it (and to make China great again). No , to look for science and reason as a remedy against the deceases that have beset liberal democracy is a mirage.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.you are describing applied science. basic observation about the reality is liberalism's basis.
JacarC
Level 8
July 9, 2018
0
I am not as cynical as you seem to be. Yes, the money determines what gets researched, to a large degree. But, still science goes on which reaches empirically based conclusions which often fly in the face of what the forces of greed want. They can suppress the facts, but they cannot stop them from seeing the light of day. If what you say were trrue, we would not have the recognized valid voices of dissent like Paul Krugman in economics, and many scientists in the fields of physical and biological sciences. Valid studies and data will eventually be recognized.
wordywalt
Level 9
July 8, 2018
1
You ask a question. You answer it... And offer unproven ideas to support it...
Need more before I can get on board.
Lifestone
Level 5
July 8, 2018
1
How about science, reason and anarchy? Sounds good to me.
Spinliesel
Level 9
July 8, 2018
0
@Matias Isn't that really old thinking? Aren't you assuming anarchy equals chaos? It does not ; and science has stepped away from Phase One where we discovered the majority of basic knowledge on how the universe works.I can see a world where all science is studied, tested and applied by universities. Anarchy does not preclude universities. Actually, you are right. It won't work
@TheAstroChuck Ssshh!
China is already great. I have been there several times and it is just fantastic.
Jolanta
Level 9
July 8, 2018
1
So you been to the country... the farms, etc.
@GipsyOfNewSpain I have been to many places in China, recently, both country and cities. It seems to grow at an amazing pace.
@Jolanta That will be alarming to a segment of ameriKKKa.
For whom is it fantastic?
Talk to any Vietnamese, particularly those who attempt to fish in China-disputed international waters, or who live near the Chinese border and frequently see their women abducted by Chinese human traffickers. They will tell you in so many words that the Chinese are hyper-aggressive gaslighting opportunistic asshats.
Talk to anyone who has openly protested government ... indiscretions or corruption. Or who holds to any ideology the government doesn't approve of.
Sure, China grows ... sure some of its citizens benefit from that ... they have also had to install nets to keep some of their workers from jumping off their employer's roofs because they can't take the hopelessness of their existence anymore.
@mordant All that is true too, however the other part is what I am talking about. You have to go there to see it. Yes China is not a friend of the world, China is wanting world domination. The Chinese government believe that they know best, but so does any other government it is just that not all of them have bases in other countries. I have been to a few places in the world where the Chinese are building bases, just like the Americans have bases in 70 countries around the world. The Chinese are also influencing politicians by giving them bribes, even in the US.
I would say the alliance is between science and social liberalism. The right has a tendency to Ally itself with religious or traditional value systems that do not encourage deviation from established doctrine. Scientic progress requires a society capable of adaptation and rejects inerrant truth. Fiscal conservatism however believes public money is better spent to encourage market growth which, if done wisley, allows companies to competitively develop new or improved tech and research
jeremiahbjones
Level 3
July 8, 2018
1
Interesting point. I hadn't really thought about it much, but on the surface it seems correct.
Tomfoolery33
Level 9
July 8, 2018
0
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