bill: it seems to me that Marx grappled with the problem of how and what universal values would emerge as a result of the dissolution of a class society.
Barry:
Not so fast. If 'universal values' are contingent upon a 'dissolution of a class society,' then it is doubtful that such values are truly universal. Do we speak of 'universal values' emerging as a result of (or because of) class society?
bill:
Well, admittedly I'm out of my depth here, but I would suggest that such values emerge as a result of (or simultaneously with) the development of a class consciousness. Inequity can exist without class consciousness. Feudal society contained strata that its populations accepted as "divinely'' ordained. Occasionally a Spartacus will arise to challenge the prevailing order. "Why be concerned about exploitation? Why should workers be upset about being ripped off?" Such questioning implies (at least to me) a sense of fairness (or un-fairness). Historically we can witness a trend in the development of such consciousness which closely parallels democratization of institutions. Slavery as an institution has all but disappeared. Human sacrifice is a thing of the past. Rights have been extended to women, child labor laws are being written, and there is growing pressure to have rights extended to animals as well. These changes in perception may be the result of particular "contingencies of reinforcement" - but why should such "contingencies" be concerned with "rights" to begin with? Barry:
Could we say that capitalism is a 'social contract with political obligation based on a valid universality'? Yes, people like Alan Greenspan do so all the time.** We have been at this spot before, of course. You want that 'fairness gene' to work for your ideological beliefs whereas (understandably) other people want that gene to work for their ideological beliefs. What I want is freedom from such reliance altogether. Contingencies, for me, do not need the sanction of 'human nature' any more than they need the sanction of a 'higher authority' (which I believe is what 'human nature' represents today).
Well…maybe lower authority. Such influences can and are overridden by culture in any case. (Of course I would have phrased it differently - "Reinforcing contingencies permitted my 'fairness gene' to express itself") :)
To seek "freedom from such reliance altogether" may be a Faustian task.
The mind is of course a complex machine. James Alcock published an article some years ago that neatly described some of the brains evolutionary functions when it comes to formulating beliefs. Perhaps I'll post some of it.
bill
