Arnold Kling on the Three Languages of Politics, Revisited
Apr 6, 2020
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Arnold Kling, an economist and author of 'The Three Languages of Politics,' shares his insights on the evolving political landscape. He discusses how modern media complicates political discourse and contributes to polarization. Kling emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints and fostering empathic engagement. He highlights cultural activities as a means to bridge divides, the influence of populism, and the shifts in higher education's approach to intellectual discourse. His reflections call for a more nuanced dialogue amidst today's tribal politics.
Each political tribe frames issues through a distinct lens - oppressor vs. oppressed, civilization vs. barbarism, liberty vs. coercion.
Intellectual maturity involves appreciating diverse perspectives and historical contexts.
Media choices contribute to affective polarization by reinforcing tribal identities and distorting facts.
Deep dives
The Three Languages of Politics
The podcast explains the concept of the three languages of politics - progressive, conservative, and libertarian. Each language frames issues differently: progressives focus on oppressor vs. oppressed, conservatives on civilization vs. barbarism, and libertarians on liberty vs. coercion. The discussion highlights how each tribe believes it has a monopoly on fighting a particular bad (oppression, barbarism, coercion) and how individuals align with one language over others.
Maturity in Understanding Opposing Views
The conversation delves into intellectual maturity and the ability to appreciate different perspectives. It acknowledges personal shifts in viewpoints over time towards understanding opposing sides better. Historical examples like the Civil Rights Movement are cited to emphasize the importance of flexibility and willingness to consider various positions. The need to move away from demonizing political opponents towards a more nuanced understanding is underlined.
Affective Polarization in Politics
The evolving media landscape and its role in fostering affective polarization are discussed. The term 'affective polarization' denotes a deep sense of partisanship and hostility towards opposing views. Examples are provided to illustrate how individuals develop strong emotional attachments to their own side and intensify negative feelings towards the other side. The podcast explores how media choices amplify tribalism and reinforce polarization.
Impact of Media Choices on Polarization
The conversation focuses on the impact of media choices on political polarization. It highlights how personalized information consumption can lead to the propagation of distorted facts and conspiracy theories. The accessibility of diverse media sources allows individuals to reinforce their tribal identities and scapegoat others. The discussion touches on how media manipulation affects public perception and fuels division.
Challenges of Political Discourse
The challenges in contemporary political discourse, including the rise of populism and nationalism, are examined. The conversation underscores the shift towards demonization in communication styles, contrasting it with traditional persuasion methods. The lack of intellectual integrity in public debates, particularly on college campuses, is critiqued. The podcast emphasizes the importance of maintaining civil discourse and intellectual rigor amidst growing political tensions.
Blind Spots in Political Ideologies
The concept of blind spots in political ideologies is explored, highlighting how each ideological group struggles to grasp the perspectives of others. Progressive, conservative, and libertarian blind spots are discussed, underscoring the challenges in understanding opposing viewpoints. The podcast underscores the need to transcend tribal affiliations and embrace individual agency and self-expression to foster a more inclusive and nuanced political discourse.
Economist and author Arnold Kling talks about the revised edition of his book The Three Languages of Politics in front of a live audience at the Cato Institute, recorded in September of 2019. Kling talks about the changed political landscape in the United States and around the world and how his ideas have changed since the book was first published in 2013.
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