Among the many tasks that raising a defense of classical liberalism should entail include examining whether, and which, social and civil institutions have an affirmative role in supporting major tenets associated with the Enlightenment in order to act as a counterweight to revolutionary politics. Specifically, are institutions the physical means meant to safeguard abstract principles embedded in classical liberalism? If so, how, both in terms of delegation of responsibility and the methods of defense? And is the apparent widespread institutional capture by illiberal ideologies a correct reading of the situation? Have modern institutions rejected a duty to value and propagate any principles, let alone Enlightenment ideals, maybe in the name of pluralism or even antipathy to the founding principles? And also, are the consequences of this rejection reducing key institutions to a dishearteningly willing accomplice of the powerfully situated to effect whatever are the current but transitory political objectives of the day? And finally, can captured institutions be recaptured?
Such a good teacher. Thanks much from a 70 year old ex D. Ex professor because of AA
An Objectivist is going to come up with an updated theory of the individual? We are fuq’ed! Might have to do it yourself, James.
Among the many tasks that raising a defense of classical liberalism should entail include examining whether, and which, social and civil institutions have an affirmative role in supporting major tenets associated with the Enlightenment in order to act as a counterweight to revolutionary politics. Specifically, are institutions the physical means meant to safeguard abstract principles embedded in classical liberalism? If so, how, both in terms of delegation of responsibility and the methods of defense? And is the apparent widespread institutional capture by illiberal ideologies a correct reading of the situation? Have modern institutions rejected a duty to value and propagate any principles, let alone Enlightenment ideals, maybe in the name of pluralism or even antipathy to the founding principles? And also, are the consequences of this rejection reducing key institutions to a dishearteningly willing accomplice of the powerfully situated to effect whatever are the current but transitory political objectives of the day? And finally, can captured institutions be recaptured?