7.0.1 Political Processes - Overview

Version 1.2 December 2013                                         (Previous Version)

Politics is based on the principle that it is better to talk than to fight.  Part 3 (History) shows a long term decrease in the level of violence used to resolve conflict, that we must strive to continue.

Though politics is focused on peaceful resolution of conflicts, we cannot ignore that political power, the ability to impose a solution rather than negotiate one, comes from military and economic power.  Physical strength allows bullies to dominate personal relationships.  Without criminal law and police forces many of us would succumb more to temptation to lie and steal.  Tyrannies and dictatorships cause widespread oppression in many countries.  In the international sphere the threat, or use, of force can be justified in specific circumstances – but not many.

In international politics, diplomacy is said to be “lying for your country�.  In national politics, politicians often say whatever they think will persuade the populace to support them.  In business negotiations between firms, or between employees and management, or between salespeople and customers, there is often selective use of the truth.  But we should not blatantly lie: it is tactically bad to get caught, and practically difficult to maintain a consistent lie in complex situations involving many people.  Overall, despite the skepticism, for talking rather than fighting to be effective, business and politics requires a core of integrity: honesty, respect, honouring agreements and so on.  Democracy has a special requirement for seeking and speaking the truth.

The dilemma of truth, free will and responsibility permeates political theory and political parties.  If our circumstances – good or bad – are a consequence of our choices – in this life or a previous life – then it matters whether these choices are made “freely� or whether they are essentially forced upon us.  The political “left� (socialists, labour parties, secularists and US Democrats) are more likely to accept that poverty is often beyond our control, so social services to alleviate inequality and restrictions on business are legitimate.  The political “right� (capitalists, conservatives, religionists and US Republicans) are more likely to assign responsibility for poverty onto the poor themselves, so the poor must be motivated to lift their game by restricting social services and freeing up business.  As individuals we need to adopt a position within this perceived dichotomy.

The political choices we make are not based solely on our philosophy and the core values we adopt, but also on our understanding of the nature of reality we gain from science, history, religion and culture.  Policies, to be effective, must be based not just on our “values� but also on “the science�, which tells us what is most likely to cause problems and how we can best address them.  Unfortunately too many national and global policies are in force regardless of their real impact.

  more                                                                             Statement 35

Our choices about political methods must be consistent not only with core philosophical values, but also the derived, effecting and ancillary values we learn from science and history.

Too many of us, in oppressive countries, or from personally oppressive backgrounds, have to seriously consider our commitment to life, to find the courage to live and join the struggle for truth, justice and equality.  Many of the rest of us squander the opportunities we have to do this freely.