Politicophobia and Simplicitivism

Politicabobia - fear of politics*

Simplicitivism - theory that the simple is often the best approach**

One needs to be careful with "ism" and “phobia” words. They often have loose meanings, strict meanings, and sometimes multiple meanings. In almost every endeavor, psychology, philosophy, science, biology, and the full list of topics, there are many, hundreds if not thousands.

In politics, they are easy to apply. The are effective conveying to the listener what is personally imagined. Their greatest application comprise a form of demagoguery, whether through concern or fear. We have communism, conservativism, progressivism, liberalism, racism, feminism, environmentalism, anarchism, nationalism, capitalism, colonialism, nationalism, and socialism, to name a few. Of course, there is the anti-version of each. Where an “ism” is not appropriate, the alternative “phobia” is used such as in homophobia and islamophobia, where cut away is any vestige of theory leaving only a negative attitude.

First set: It seems a relatively small but vocal group of Americans has placed diversity, race, poverty, equity, and all manner of civil rights issues, including transgender bathrooms, as paramount, i.e. above everything else. Each is associated with and “ism” or “phobia.” In interpretation, each is vague, but each plays well with the press.

Second set: A larger but more sober group of Americans regard infrastructure, trade, employment, education, and military problems as critically important for the long-term survival of the country. If needed an “ism” can be tagged to all. To me, it is a puzzlement why civil issues should be regarded as the most critical of all. This seems cosmologically dumb.

However, name-calling is never the best argument. I explain. The first set is easy to understand. Just give more, spend more, allow more, and then feel good. Great for students. No cognitive demand is required. The other issues are complicated. Only those well studied have an understanding of their complexity. This is work. The first set is emotional; the second set is intellectual. Of these, the problems of employment and education require really serious thought, and always have.

No matter which set you prefer, you gotta face realism - eventually. Oops, another “ism.”

__________________

*Politicabobia - fear of politics. This actually exists, referring to the objects (politicians) or the topic (politics).

**Simplicitivism - theory that the simple is often the best approach. This actually doesn't exist. Just made it up, but I'll be you could dash of 1000 words on what it should mean, making a good case, and developing a theory at the same time.

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

Uncertainty is Certain G. Donald Allen 12/12/2024 1. Introduction . This short essay is about uncertainty in people from both secular and nonsecular viewpoints. One point that will emerge is that randomly based uncertainty can be a driver for religious structure. Many groups facing uncertainty about their future are deeply religious or rely on faith as a source of comfort, resilience, and guidance. The intersection of uncertainty and religiosity often stems from the human need to find meaning, hope, and stability in the face of unpredictable or challenging circumstances. We first take up the connections of uncertainty to religion for the first real profession, farming, noting that hunting has many similar uncertainties. Below are groups that commonly lean on religious beliefs amidst uncertainty. This short essay is a follow-up to a previous piece on certainty (https://used-ideas.blogspot.com/2024/12/certainty-is-also-emotion.html). U...

CERTAINTY IS ALSO AN EMOTION

Certainty is also a Feeling Certainty is often viewed as a mental state tied to knowledge and confidence, but it also functions as a feeling with distinct emotional and physiological components. While it arises from cognitive processes, certainty also has a subjective and emotional quality that makes it more than just a rational judgment. It provides a sense of assurance and security that shapes human experience in profound ways. Emotional Dimension . At its core, certainty evokes emotions that influence how we perceive and interact with the world. When someone feels certain, they often experience relief, comfort, or empowerment. These emotions are particularly strong when uncertainty or doubt is resolved, offering a sense of closure. For example, solving a complex problem or having a belief validated by evidence brings not just intellectual satisfaction but also emotional reassurance. Subjectivity. Certainty is inherently personal and subjective. It depends on individual...

Lies, Deceit, and the National Agenda

The world you grew up in is no more. The world of reasonable honesty and reasonable lies has been replaced by abject dishonesty and blatant lies. Lies. Yes. People have always told them. You have told them; so have I. We need lies; they are a foundational structure of social living. They both deceive and protect. Children tell them to their parents to avoid consequences, like punishment. Adults tell them to their bosses, to enhance their position and/or avoid consequences of poor performance. Our bosses tell them to their boards to suggest business is good, the project is on target, or the detractors are wrong. The boards tell them to shareholders to protect their own credibility and most importantly, stock values. Our politicians tell lies to their constituents, though sometimes innocently with them not actually knowing much more than they've been told. They enhance their positio...

First Blog

Search This Blog