Aristotle, Human Agency & What Say You?
Here is the transcript. Enjoy❣️
Imagine the Parthenon at the zenith of Athenian culture. Here in its shadow, consider what has become modern politics, a paradoxical purposed parody, and this through the lens of Aristotle's assumptions. This consideration is engaged in for the purpose of exploring human nature.
Aristotle's first assumption concerned what can be observed that humans do. These are the actions that are molded by cultural and societal norms, and in turn mold the norms. This assumption is an assumption because, in practice, it is circular in its reasoning and in its dynamics. At a fundamental human level, it simply is irreducible beyond this observation as assumption.
Exploring why humans act as they do reveals the motivations behind the cultural and societal norms driving endeavors. Simply, the underlying hope is revealed by what humans do. As a wellspring, this hope is, both individually and socially, complex and varied.
Aristotle's second assumption is that this human wellspring of hope simply is. Any observable discrepancies between social outcomes and ideals defines what wishing is, not what hope is. Hope, as the second assumption, is unconscious.
The final assumption concerning human agency is encapsulated within a construct of charity, our inherent potential for altruism and contribution. It is the capacity to desire for others what one might inherently want for oneself.
Aristotle argued this was the third assumption applicable to the human condition. This was not because it was always practiced, but because it was always possible.
Reflect on this profound truth about our shared human experience, the paradox of our political differences. In a world where division thrives, understanding feels like a rare gift. It's the conjoining of hearts and minds that reveals the deeper forces that work in our lives. The tensions within our political beliefs aren't obstacles to overcome, but rather opportunities to grow in wisdom, compassion, understanding.
Recognize this: our political beliefs are more than mere preferences or opinions. They are woven into the fabric of who we are. They shape how we see the world, how we interact with others, and even how we understand our purpose. This purpose is the better ordering, preservation, and furtherance of the common good.
Yet here lies the paradox. As the world around us changes, these same beliefs can trap us in patterns of thought and behavior that become absurd or even harmful. It is all too common to witness someone holding tightly to a trusted view, even when confronted with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
When we see this in others, it often serves as a mirror for ourselves, a reflection of our own struggles. Maintaining a trusted homeostasis is a natural part of being human. It anchors us. Psychologically, homeostasis provides a sense of stability in an uncertain world.
But when our personal and social belief systems harden into unyielding certainty, they blind us to the beauty and truth found in diverse perspectives. Psychologists call this tendency to irrationally embrace and defend a trusted social paradigm, motivated reasoning. It may quell curiosity and limit inquiry to information that supports what we already believe. Motivated reasoning explains why we ignore or dismiss uncomfortable challenges to our beliefs.
Motivated reasoning is akin to writers crafting parody skits searching for sarcastic and ironic framings that entertain, while deepening divisions. This sardonic task masquerades as entertainment, even when evidence says otherwise. Such parody profits not the common good!
Motivated reasoning is an evolutionary necessity that can lead us down paths of division and conflict, especially when emotions run high. Proving our trusted views often lose sight of a shared humanity, justifying division.
Motivated reasoning functions as a positive feedback cycle, creating a sense of righteousness that incentivizes imagined division. Its shadow side engenders trusted delusions, blinding us from the truth.
What if, instead of honing our skills as parody comics, we valued inclusive and paradoxical understandings?
We would not only entertain, but also enrich our social discourse, moving beyond the limits of our entrenched beliefs.
The role of parody in political discourse is inherently antisocial. It reduces beliefs to caricatures, making it easier to dismiss the other. Mocking others does not bring us closer to truth, wisdom, or peace.
So what do we gain from a practice of parody but a lazy piety? When power is wielded over others rather than shared, it fosters a privilege devoid of responsibility, widening the gulfs between us.
Paradoxically, motivated reasoning can also serve as a savior when engaged with goodwill and purpose, the better ordering, preservation, and furtherance of the common good.
What say you? Let us reflect on the power of our beliefs and strive for understanding in the face of our differences.
- A moral claim to be followers of truth and seekers of peace means an obligation to rise above this noise, to break free from the cycle of ridicule and dismissal, and to engage with one another in a spirit of humility and empathy.
- Every person we encounter carries a story, a unique journey of experiences, struggles, and dreams that shape their beliefs.
- What if instead of assuming we know why someone thinks the way they do, we took the time to listen?
(Enjoined) What if we approached every conversation with the intent to learn, not to win?
(Repeat) What if we approached every conversation with the intent to learn, not to win?)
We the people hand in hand. We the people understand. But there's an answer, there's a way. We the people have to say. We the people hand in hand.
I am Ben, and I approve this message.
An end. A beginning.
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Schooner Fare gets the credit for the colorful Muses' ventriloquism of a clip of “We The People”. Haiper, via ReelCraft, and iTAIM/AI gets accolades for the most of the animated and static art. Regardless, there is sufficient ‘me’ in the text and production that a “©2024, Greg Robie” is also merited. =)