The Moral Imagination Ep. 27: Decentralization, Localism, and Mutual Aid: The Thought of Robert Nisbet
Feb 19, 2021
Explore Robert Nisbet's perspectives on decentralization, authority, and community. Discuss the impact of political centralization and the decline of traditional sources of authority. Delve into the influence of family power dynamics, war, and centralization. Contrast Nisbet's views on individualism with Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Analyze the significance of social capital in historical and contemporary societies. Examine the influence of associations on societal values and the importance of local politics and civil society.
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Breakdown and Quest for Community
- Robert Nisbet highlights the breakdown of community as a central problem since medieval times.
- He sees modern struggles as a continuous quest to rebuild meaningful community structures.
Waning Authority and Social Bonds
- Nisbet argues the waning of authority, especially non-political authority, weakens social bonds.
- Centralized state absorbs roles formerly held by family, church, and community associations, undermining these layers of influence.
Rejecting Radical Individualism
- Nisbet rejects individualism as the core unit of society; individuals are always embedded in institutions and associations.
- Human beings are shaped by family, language, and social structures that precede and influence them.