Dr. John Haldane - "Reasonable Disagreement and Civic Friendship in an Age of Conflict"
Apr 24, 2024
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Dr. John Haldane, a philosopher, discusses reasonable disagreement and civic friendship in an age of conflict. Topics include Brexit voting patterns, shifting voter dynamics in US elections, navigating reasonable disagreement, truth and coherence, Augustine's views on original sin, controlling passions for decision-making, voting eligibility criteria evolution, and education, leadership, and politics.
Geographical voting patterns reflect varied identities and challenges, influencing political decisions.
Modern political discord warns against simplistic labels and advocates for nuanced discourse.
Education's democratization contributes to a devaluation of specialized knowledge, impacting societal perceptions.
Deep dives
Brexit and Geographical Voting Patterns in the UK
Geographically, most of Britain voted to leave the European Union, with dense concentrations of pro-Remain votes in areas like London, Glasgow, and Dundee. London's choice to remain reflects its self-identification as a global city distinct from the rest of Britain, while Scotland and Northern Ireland benefit from EU funds due to their post-industrial challenges.
US Presidential Elections and Geographic Political Shifts
The 2016 US presidential elections highlighted a significant geographical shift in voting patterns. Supporters who didn't fully endorse Trump voted against the alternative. The US is experiencing a drift away from the Democratic Party geographically, with coastal and urban areas aligning differently with the rest of the country.
Global Political Trends and Identifying Fundamental Disagreements
The podcast delves into broader global political trends, including secessionist movements in Europe and the rise of cultural divisions reminiscent of 'middle America' versus cosmopolitan centers. It critiques the intensity of modern disagreements, warning against labeling opponents as 'stupid or wicked' based on differing views. Addressing the complexity of truth and reasonable disagreement, the speaker advocates for a more nuanced approach to public discourse.
The Nature of Disciplines and Studies
Disciplines are characterized by a canon, a set of enduring questions or problems, and specific methods for addressing these questions. Most individuals in higher education are not studying disciplines but rather subjects that draw on disciplines. The percentage of the population capable of receiving a universal education in a discipline is estimated to be between 5% and 10%. The distinction between disciplines and studies highlights the prevalence of broader subjects that encompass multiple disciplines.
Challenges in Education and Cultural Shifts
The democratization of education has led to a misconception that everyone receives equivalent levels of education. This belief contradicts the reality that not all educational pursuits are equal in quality or depth. The societal emphasis on egalitarianism often undermines the recognition of differences in educational rigor. The transformation of disciplines into mere studies reflects a broader cultural shift towards devaluing specialized and in-depth knowledge in favor of superficial engagement.
