From: Wim Nusselder (wim.nusselder@antenna.nl)
Date: Tue Sep 07 2004 - 06:10:41 BST
Dear Platt,
Thanks for your (6 Sep 2004 09:01:50 -0400) alternative answer to 'WHY it is
well and good to champion some equality':
because of the 4th level quality of 'the idea of freedom from a social
hierarchy' alias 'this doctrine of social equality ... [which is] is not at
all self-evident'.
I agree partially:
The 3rd level patterns of value that maintain groups (social patterns of
value) imply hierarchy, as some behaviour better maintains the group than
other behavioiur, so gives more status. For its existence a 4th level
pattern of value (and thus evolution from the 3rd level upward) requires
some freedom from fixed patterns of behaviour.
I also disagree partially:
The 4th level requires a well-functioning 3rd level to exist. Symbolic
patterns of value need relatively stable groups to be copied and maintained.
Even the doctrine of social equality wouldn't exist any more if there hadn't
been a community of believers with a hierarchy to maintain it.
So, we need a balance: some equality is needed, but not too much, as it
would erode ouir 3rd level foundations.
You suggest:
1) 'social equality is a value judgment and ... value judgments ... will
vary dramatically from individual to individual depending on life
experiences'
2) 'those in authority would do well to treat their subjects equally else
resentment of those who perceive themselves treated unfairly boils over into
revolution. But, it seems that such resentment must be learned because so
many people are perfectly willing to accept their lot in life.'
3) 'perhaps we can agree that in the Western World the notion of social
equality is widespread due to Christian doctrine which preaches that we're
all God's children and therefor equal in His eyes.'
ad 1) Support for the idea that social equality is valuable varies between
individuals (and groups of individuals) as participation in 4th level
patterns of value requires a degree of choice. You have to 'learn' how to
use specific symbols and patterns of symbols to participate in 4th level pat
terns of value. (After having learned them, you don't need to be constantly
aware of them. You only have to use them sometimes in order not to forget
them.) Those choices (not necessarily very conscious choices) to participate
in a specific 4th level pattern of value (e.g. this doctrine) is determined
to some extent by individual and collective experience but is also to some
extent a free choice (the space where DQ reigns).
ad 2) Not only those in authority (2nd type leaders, those whose leadership
is based on enforcement) do well to treat their followers to some extent
equally (except that they have to make a difference between those supporting
and those opposing their authority in order to stay in authority...).
Leaders of all 4 types (see
www.antenna.nl/wim.nusselder/schrijfsels/economics.htm chapter 4) have to
champion some equality. E.g. a monopolistic producer of computer operation
systems cannot afford to differentiate prices for the same product too much
between customers with different purchasing power (the normal way of
monopolists to maximize profit) or customers will start evading his
monopoly.
ad 3) This Christian doctrine may be a factor, but certainly not the only
one. There are also Christian doctrines supporting social hierarchy... There
must have been some 3rd level sq (some equality works to maintain groups)
and DQ (selective use of Christian doctrines) involved too.
With friendly greetings,
Wim
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