Astral Codex Ten Podcast Fascism Can't Mean Both A Specific Ideology And A Legitimate Target
Nov 8, 2025
A thought-provoking discussion unfolds around the contradictory nature of labeling individuals as fascists and the moral implications of political violence. The Twitter skirmish between Gavin Newsom and Stephen Miller serves as a focal point for exploring the dangers of using vague terms in heated rhetoric. Delving into cultural examples, the conversation warns against justifying violence based on labels, emphasizing the need for clarity in political discourse. Ultimately, the hosts encourage careful language use while acknowledging the challenges in identifying acceptable thresholds for violence.
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Three Incompatible Claims
- Three propositions cannot all be true: many Americans are fascists, fascists are legitimate targets for violence, and political violence is currently morally unacceptable.
- Rejecting the middle proposition avoids a logical contradiction while preserving factual claims and the norm against violence.
Newsom–Miller Twitter Example
- Scott recounts the Twitter spat between Gavin Newsom and Stephen Miller to motivate the discussion.
- He uses the exchange to show how labeling someone "fascist" can be read as a call to violence.
Denotation Versus Connotation
- The denotative meaning of fascism (far-right nationalist authoritarian corporatist) differs from its violent connotation for many people.
- This dual use makes the term taxonomically fuzzy and rhetorically potent in political fights.