Quote:
Originally Posted by martinguerre
This is precisely what i mean by uncivilized. The fundamental idea of civilization is the relinquishment of private violence. As Weber puts it "a legitimated monopoly of violence" is requirement of the existance of a state. You may prefer a world in which private violence is legitimate. What i suggest is that this assumption is incompatible with a belief in the rule of law. This isn't a "i can prove you wrong" question, but an exploration of values. What i'm doing here is drawing your statements to their logical conclusion.
edit. just saw your other post. the only thing i will say about visceral reactions is that i believe them to be a lot more optional than the term implies. if your imagination and values include intense dislike, fear, disgust, etc... of a given concept, then link a hypothetical encounter with a premediation of violence (as you have already done) this play of mind, this practice of thought becomes the lens by which you will in fact react.
in short? we do what we think. if you think you will react with violence? my guess is you very well might.
|
I do not agree that civilization requires a relinquishment of private violence. Private violence has been a cornerstone of civilized society until only recently. Dueling of sorts has been a part of our civilized history for ages. Such duels were at times legal, or at times illegal but they were thought of as legitimate means of resolving a dispute between equals.