Bill Powers (940902.0845 MDT) writes:
What I've been more or less consciously trying to do is to ask about the
arguments in a way that can be answered only from a higher-level point
of view. You can't be IN an argument at the same time you're trying to
make observations ABOUT it. Obviously, I can't even do it myself. It's
really quite amazing how this method of levels works; you never have to
criticize what anyone says. . . .
(and)
I have a silly question. How come a nation of 250,000,000 people with a
huge industrial, agricultural, and technological base can't support all
250,000,000 people in comfort? Could there be some bugs in the system?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
Interesting comments, which I have juxtaposed so that I can point out that
the ideas are both related to considerations of power, but seen from
different directions, intentions and vulnerabilities, and all related to
HPCT.
In raising questions to a higher level one is looking for greater
comprehensiveness and logical resolving power, which may and often does
translate into social influence. But, as you know, the reactions of many
people are determined not so much by what makes logical good sense as of
their sensitivities to implications of social and/or political power. And
while one may not be explicitly criticizing, any such implications speak
volumes to some persons. (Many husbands find this to be so in their
wives!)
As we also know, human beings develop through a predominantly competitive
adolescent orientation - a win-lose hierarchy is assumed - into the more
cooperative adult orientation involving greater use of concepts and the
search for win-win common interests. However, in this regard, many
successful people remain in a state of arrested development. Many such
people are exquisitely sensitive to power relationships and in effect do
not see any other logic really much at stake. Since they tend to dominate
the political process (e.g. Republicans/conservatives, in my opinion), and
they themselves have no such goal as to see everyone supported in comfort,
they are likely to keep the system bugged up, so to speak. Their values
and controls tell them to!
Cheers!
Bruce B.