Doin what comes naturally

[coberst]

Doin what comes naturally

I think that one of the most egregious informal fallacies we Americans are bombarded with is prescriptions camouflaged as descriptions. The value of education lay in its monetary value, GDP is an accurate measure of a nation’s accomplishment, the environment is not an issue in the Corporate bottom line, well-being is the Corporate bottom line, the Corporation is responsible only to their share holders, health care in America is the best, CEO pay is meritocracy in action, etc. These are all understood as descriptions of reality rather than being the prescriptions of those who profit by such things.

I am claiming that we are led to accept as truism that it is “natural” for education to be valued in dollars, a GDP growth of 4% is a measure of the nation’s well-being, Corporations are not responsible for the environment, CEOs get the big bucks because they are what make the institution successful, etc. That which is ‘natural’ is accepted without question. In such a milieu we easily accept the hurricane as a description of why the poor have lost everything in New Orleans. An examination will, I think, disclose that the poor were doomed to such a happening by the ordination of the powerful over past decades.

Describing the status quo as natural and universal is an effective means for maintaining the status quo. I am claiming that the status quo is described as natural and universal, when in fact the status quo is ordained by the “Wizard”. “Follow the money” is a useful tactic for discovering those who are the elements of the “Wizard”.

What is the logical consequence to our planet when the world economy must grow every year?

[Ahmabeliever]

Not news to me, but some very good points you make.

[Moontanman]

You don't need to convince me, you are rignt on target, maybe even preaching to the choir on this list.

[coberst]

Originally Posted by Moontanman

You don't need to convince me, you are rignt on target, maybe even preaching to the choir on this list.

What percentage of the population do you think comprehends this?

I guess 10% occassionally when they really concentrate and 5% as a rule.

I get the feeling that forum members are like the parents in Lake Whobegone, all the members are above average.

[Moontanman]

Originally Posted by coberst

What percentage of the population do you think comprehends this?

Well... first you would have to factor out all the people who take Fox news seriously..... I would have to say more than we would probably think get it but then you would have to believe that there are many people who see this but aren't willing to speak up which for me is worse than those that watch Fox news!

[Ahmabeliever]

Unfortunately science itself is a much abused tool for maintaining the status quo.

I'm not sure how many PHD's are out there but there sure are enough of them willing to back up claims for money. Like the 'recent' discovery of the bug that causes halitosis (betya there's a reason for that bug and halitosis is a symptom).

So they find a 'cure' for halitosis, (antibacterial) which happens to be an active ingredient in a new toothpaste by Colgate. So you find out who run the study - Colgate.

Government and corporate sponsorship of science, though financing much of it, completely undermines the integrity of the discipline.

The public, unfortunately, have been taught to listen to almost anything deemed an authority. Govt, media, church, wives tales, anyone with a phd...

I could talk for hours at my dissatisfaction with the status quo in many parts of society and the world but this would only be more talk. How do you actually do something about educating people when they can't understand the concept.

There's plenty of idiocy from intellectuals too. You want to talk to people, learn their language.

For starters lose the verbosity ie: "egregious informal fallacies" so people can read what you are trying to say. If I didn't have a good vocabulary myself I'd take one look at that phrase and write you off as a know all.

Why talk down to the people who make your roads and dig your drains, without them you'll be doing it yourself.

The status quo is indeed maintaining the status quo. But even the ditch diggers can see the chinks in the armour, the writing on the wall, that all is not as it first appears. It's only a matter of time, people are feeling the screws tighten financially, this pressure alone will cause many ruptures.

Those who know better might well work on solutions for the problems we face, and lead by example that the status quo is not necessarily the way forward.

The human race needs to get back to being organic beings before we drown in our own greedy wastes. We eat rubbish and live in poison boxes and wear plastic. No wonder the status quo is so much manure. The most basic needs are met with synthetic corporate imitation and still we fail to question it.

[coberst]

The logical consequence of an ever expanding economy is the consumption of the planet.

[Essay]

Originally Posted by coberst

The logical consequence of an ever expanding economy is the consumption of the planet.

That's great! ...very quotable... both the question and the answer!

I can't believe I missed this yesterday.

Thanks coberst (as always).