I would like to introduce BPR’s newest online column, entitled Give Up The Goods.
Give Up The Goods is anchored around the premise that bringing some theoretical insights to the discussion of politics can produce some interesting results. Too often, these sorts of insights are mired in the under-baked realm that is the opinion section of a school newspaper. In my mind, this has everything to do with the poor quality of the standard contribution and nothing to do with a verdict on the potential of theoretical political discussion.
Indeed, the consequences are major. To begin it maintains the widespread misconception that any “philosophical” contribution is merely “subjective” opinion. Disastrously, it perpetuates the heinous fact-value dichotomy. This dichotomy attempts to isolate discussion of politics “as it is” from discussion of politics as colored by the nuances and values of human life. Such an ideal is absurd. To not recognize this, is to remove meaning, morality, and creativity from our understanding of politics.
Give Up the Good posts posts will come in several distinct varieties. The first will consist of cultural analyses. In the spirit of John Dewey, the great American Pragmatist, I believe that philosophy is strongest when it engages with the culture it inhabits. Looking at how the bland corporate aesthetic of the Romney campaign revealed a particular ideology is a good example of this kind of endeavor. The second will consist of more analytical philosophical critiques. An example of this could be a discussion of the axiomatic status accorded to the “maker-taker” rhetoric and its concomitant moral claims. Finally, the third category will be more innovative and propositional. This category will pose questions outside the typical domain of topically-guided politics. An example here could be wondering about the legitimacy of a politician whose favorite artists reject his work.
The Writers:
At present, there will be three writers for Give Up The Goods.
Luke Dowling (Los Angeles) Ethics and Political Philosophy
Ivan Yanev (Idaho, Bulgaria): Political Theory
Houston Davidson (Utah): Applied Political Theory
With that, we begin the column with a top-notch first post by Luke on the problems with the “taxes are immoral” argument.
Now, Give up the Goods!