Political Philosophy vs. Ideology
Bill Clinton is really great in this recent speech at Georgetown. I really like what he says about philosophy vs. ideology. The idea that you are committed to a position but you are engaged in a manner that compells you to seek out evidence and argument. The idea that you are open to learning and your position can become informed with new evidence as it emerges. This attitude is marked by a kind of intellectual curiosity about the world. I really identify with this notion and think that the flexibility it generates is really important for actually creating positive change in the world. Clinton really is great. Despite all his personal flaws I think intellectually he is right on the button. He made a great president and I think his wife will make a great president as well.
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October 29th, 2006 at 3:10 am
Yes. Mr Clinton is charismatic but the subject matter
discussed here is not forward thinking. A constitutional amendment was proposed in the 1930’s
for guaranteed minimum income and guaranteed
housing. Why quibble over the merits of make-work or made to work legislation in this day and
age. Please, even Qatar has a guaranteed minimum
income of $35 grand for every man woman and
child. As much as I admire Clinton (compared to
what else is around), his elaboration of the ripple
effects of “work-fare” are pure politikin’