Politics can be driven by simple platitudes and appeals to emotion (demagoguery) or it can founded on principles and philosophy (ala Plato, perhaps).
H. L. Mencken, known for his “definitions” of terms, defined a demagogue as “one who will preach doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots.”
A bit harsh, perhaps, but certainly the basis for much of our modern politics at the national level. So, after our usual review of the politics of the week, we plan to consider the thinker’s alternative to populism, as we ask, “where are the great thinkers and how should they communicate in today’s world?” We will try to develop a modern model for principles-based dialog, starting from foundations (a “creed”), deriving principles, and developing “case law” as a means of clarification of the results. We can talk about conflicting principles and the use of the quantum physics model of multiple states as a metaphor for case law.
And while we are at it, we’ll down a glass or two of good brews and engage in a bit of white-board politics at the next Politics and a Pint.
Details:
What: Politics and a Pint
Where: Contented Cow in Northfield
Date: 11 Jan 2009
Time: 6-7:30PM
