The DFW Examined Life Philosophy Group April Meeting

Tonight's discussion topic is inspired by recent events -- the state?s abduction of 400+ kids from a polygamist retreat .

What is freedom?

The degree of freedom in a society can be measured in terms of the nature of the associations between its members. People are free if they can enter into any associations they wish to make, and they are not coerced into any associations against their will. By associations, I include both social associations, such as friendships, meeting, publications, and marriages, as well as material associations, such as trade, business partnerships, and common property. Voluntary associations are those entered into by mutual consent to mutual benefit. (This is true by definition in the sense of subjective benefit, since individuals always act to maximize values.) Non-voluntary associations are as taxes, crimes, trade restrictions, and other regulation of consensual behavior which are imposed on individuals against their own judgment.

What is toleration?

I would recognize two kinds of toleration. Political toleration is equal treatment under the law - the presumption that every human being has the same rights as everyone else. Political discrimination includes preferential or detrimental treatment of any group or individual based on any criteria other than an individual?s respect for other?s rights ? of the rich or poor, black or white, native or immigrant, gay or straight, young or old.
It?s important to note that political discrimination is only possible in interactions that involve the use or thread of force.

Social toleration is non-judgmentalism or multiculturalism -- the presumption no particular subculture or way of life is superior to any other. We engage in various forms of social intolerance when we issue moral praise and condemnation, or choose to associate or dissociate with various people or groups based on their beliefs or identities. There are many levels of tolerance ? we might buy our groceries from someone we would not necessarily want as a business partner or spouse. (I would argue that a presumption of innocence is equally important in social as well as political tolerance.)

Freedom and Toleration

I would argue that a free society must be politically tolerant, but socially intolerant. Political tolerance is required because freedom of association requires that individuals be able to establish any voluntary association they choose, including those that the majority disapproves of, such as polygamous relationships. Social intolerance is necessary because a free people must rely on their own judgment for moral guidance, and in other for them to be live successfully in a politically pluralistic society; they need to use their judgment to decide which associations are harmful or beneficial within the context of voluntary associations.

Politicially, freedom means the freedom to disagree - to be free to make choices regardless of others approval of them. A free people must be free to create and join religious cults, no matter how absurd their beliefs or how self-destructive their practices are. Socially, freedom requires an ethic of self-reliance and moral judgment. To live and thrive in a free society, we must decide which people and groups to join and which ones to condemn and avoid.

What do you think?