Philosophy in the Modern Political Landscape

[Lardlad95]

What philosophies do you all see playing a role in modern day politics? Particularly regarding the elections for the american presidency. The two opposing candidates continually talk about "values" and "morals". And while their definitions of these terms are vague and ambiguous we all know what they mean. They are simply reffering to concepts that the average person whole heartedly believes, that they can exploit to gain political gain.

In political philosophy when one looks at the actions of a politician we basically need to determine whether these actions are moral or not. Problem is that the morals that the candidates have are picked and chosen from several different modes of thinking. The candidates philosophies are an amalgamation of dozens of ways of thinking thrown together haphazzardly simply to win over voters.

So what bits and pieces of different philosophies do you see floating around in this stew that we call elections.

And to say that George Bush's philosophy is simply that of a neo-con isn't technically accurate because while he claims to be a compassionate conservative/neo conservative not all of his actions have proven this to be true.

[Lefty]

I think the Christian set of morals plays pretty heavily into both of their campaigns. However, I'm pretty sure that Bush doesn't abide by them, and it remains to be seen if Kerry does. Aside from that, I don't think Bush has much of a philosophy. He seems to have a vague concept of evil and wanting to root it out and such, but is too concerned with getting more money for himself and his cronies and protecting his interests. Kerry, on the other hand, seems to be trying to let everyone know that he values the ideal of the family, and is at least preaching that he wants to help the common man. I think Edwards' only selling point, besides his boyish good looks and charm, is that he "cares for the common man." As I said before, it remains to be seen if they actually abide by the values that they have put forth in speeches and such.

[percept¡on]

Candidates for office don't really have political philosophies; their philosophies are necessarilly that which is the political framework of the system. The Republicans have a more conservative interpretation of this framework, the Democrats have a more liberal interpretation, but they vary only in interpretation. The last politicians with political philosophies worth remarking about were the federalists/anti-federalists, and their successors in the states' rights debates. The proponents of states' rights lost in 1865 and ever since we have been a federalist gov't, with slight variations in economic philosophy and a brief resurgence of the states' rights movement by the Dixiecrats in the 60's.

[apathy maybe]

You will find that most (but not all) politicians don't have a world view as such. Instead they go with what they think will get them elected (the tend towards the centre found in Australian politics). Most people don't really have a problem with this, but there are a number of people who do care and thus vote for minor parties that don't "tend towards the centre" (such as the Greens).

[Lardlad95]

Originally posted by Lefty@Jul 30 2004, 03:44 AM
I think the Christian set of morals plays pretty heavily into both of their campaigns. However, I'm pretty sure that Bush doesn't abide by them, and it remains to be seen if Kerry does. Aside from that, I don't think Bush has much of a philosophy. He seems to have a vague concept of evil and wanting to root it out and such, but is too concerned with getting more money for himself and his cronies and protecting his interests. Kerry, on the other hand, seems to be trying to let everyone know that he values the ideal of the family, and is at least preaching that he wants to help the common man. I think Edwards' only selling point, besides his boyish good looks and charm, is that he "cares for the common man." As I said before, it remains to be seen if they actually abide by the values that they have put forth in speeches and such.

How is this concept of good and evil vague? He's clearly defined anyone who hates the united states and or democracy is evil. So I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion he was being vague.

[Lardlad95]

Originally posted by percept¡on@Jul 30 2004, 06:45 AM
Candidates for office don't really have political philosophies; their philosophies are necessarilly that which is the political framework of the system. The Republicans have a more conservative interpretation of this framework, the Democrats have a more liberal interpretation, but they vary only in interpretation. The last politicians with political philosophies worth remarking about were the federalists/anti-federalists, and their successors in the states' rights debates. The proponents of states' rights lost in 1865 and ever since we have been a federalist gov't, with slight variations in economic philosophy and a brief resurgence of the states' rights movement by the Dixiecrats in the 60's.

I'm aware of that. I'm simply asking what philosophies are they taking bits and pieces of to form their campaign messege. IE what philosophies are choosing from to make themselves look good to different groups.

[Lardlad95]

Originally posted by apathy maybe@Jul 30 2004, 07:06 AM
You will find that most (but not all) politicians don't have a world view as such. Instead they go with what they think will get them elected (the tend towards the centre found in Australian politics). Most people don't really have a problem with this, but there are a number of people who do care and thus vote for minor parties that don't "tend towards the centre" (such as the Greens).

What i meant was what different ideas are they going with to help get themselves elected.

[Lefty]

Actually, you're right. I can't think of a single time when he's done something moral...but at least he talks his Christianity up. I think that's pretty much his sole selling point-his image as a Christian crusader.

[Lardlad95]

Originally posted by Lefty@Jul 31 2004, 06:17 PM
Actually, you're right. I can't think of a single time when he's done something moral...but at least he talks his Christianity up. I think that's pretty much his sole selling point-his image as a Christian crusader.

Is christianity really a philosophy? I mean hellenistic philosophy was incorporated in the teachings of the Pharisees which Jesus was one of so perhaps there is some bits of western philosophy contained within it

[Lefty]

I guess it would kind of count as a philosophy...the case could be made...but it doesn't really count as a philosophy like, say, existentialism. I don't know...that was just the most obvious thing that seems to be guiding W.'s campaign.