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Politics : Should God be replaced? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: koan who wrote (27448)	10/3/2009 2:37:37 AM
From: one_less	1 Recommendation Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 28931

>>>"when I say we I mean all humans interested in learning and the academic and scientific community. You like to call that group think." No I don't 'like' to call that group think. I didn't invent the term 'group think.' If I did call that group think, I would be making a mistake but I didn't. 'Group Think' is a legitimate term used by organizational psychologists to describe a particular negative phenomenon, which occurs when people are bound in a group to such an extent they begin to support any idea, even ludicrous or counter productive ideas, coming out of the group for the sake of belongingness and group cohesion. In other words, when group conformity becomes more important than the individual or the principles it purports to represent, bad sh*t happens. It is often at the root of corruption. If you follow the process to its natural conclusion you find tyrannical despotism every time. There are different clues you can use to detect when someone may be caught up in a group think dynamic. Usually by how they qualify a position to claim it is the 'right' position. Affiliation: Also known as name dropping. I am connected with the smartest people so what I say is smart. I represent a powerful person, so I am powerful. My buddy is famous so I should be admired. I mention scientists, so my comment represents sound scientific principle. Referring to Authority: I believe the Bible and God, which represents all knowing righteousness, so I know what is right. I believe the perspective of xyz political party is correct, so I am right on all political issues when I refer to my party. I believe scientific data is always correct so when I refer to a scientific resource my information is correct. Power by numbers: More people think this way, so if I do it means I am correct. Might is right: The one with the power to win is right. Consensus: Most people go along with such and such, so I am right if I am like most people. Etc: However the world isn't so simple, scientists, religionists, political philosophers etc contradict each other. Paradox, irony, or chaotic events occasionally explain circumstances in the clearest light. Sometimes the lone lamp in the wilderness is the only true guide. Have you thought these things through or have you been mentally composing pat responses without much further consideration? And what of tyranny? Perhaps you think it as always associated with one person, always visible in its brutal oppression... but what about corporate tyranny? What is it if not the absolute correctness of the party line? What about the tyranny of thought Jefferson warned us about? Why do you think it has been able to slither up into positions of authority over and over throughout history, if not by the support of normal human beings like you and I? Not because it has a blatantly repulsive presentation. It is successful because it offers comfort and belongingness to those who will support it. Is it the opposite of freedom, or virtue, does it challenge our concept of justice? Have you thought about how this will come about in modern times as it has in every age of humanity. Or are you convinced, as our forebearers have always been that it can't happen to us? Have you thought this through, I have and I will again and again. I think about these things long and hard before I declare my self to be one of these or those who is identifiable by some powerful dogma. Reason is undeniable and it is purpose that binds us in human endeavor. I don't take that responsibility lightly and I don't turn it over to something or someone that can get bogged down in group think. It is humbling and I am happy to remain as nobody or less_ than nobody in particular. You of course are free to be part of any 'we' group you choose. Best regards, less_