Thomas More's Utopia
Via dialogue between Raphael Hythloday and himself, Thomas More’s Utopia illuminates the disaffection to truth held by the entrenched powers that be. While the entirety of Book One contains insight into the nature of life, justice, and property - I found the dialogue regarding French foreign policy to be the most illuminating. Examining Plato’s argument in favor of philosopher kings, Raphael argues that such a proposal is implausible. While philosopher kings can exist, and they would be glad to offer advice to national leadership, according to Raphael, it is the long-established power politics of nations that renders the truth proposed by philosophers - inaudible. Illuminating how power politics are imbedded in state authority, Raphael delves
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Often devoid of reason, logic, and morality - power asserts its authority over the truth as a means of survival. This got me thinking about economics specifically. Most economists well-versed in the science of the climate change acknowledge that we need a global war on climate change commensurate with worldwide resource allocation during WWII. Yet global superpowers and developing nations alike frequently produce impotent agreements such as the Paris Climate Accords, that aren’t truly binding. Seemingly, moderation ensures security for power. Small reductions in carbon emissions won’t engender an economic collapse with political ramifications. However, a fundamental realignment in the our relationship to the environment could have disastrous ramifications. Imagine what a global carbon tax might due to business. Global markets could collapse, and short-term ramifications on ordinary individuals could prove disastrous. Ultimately, it will this be this economic calculous on the part of the entrenched powers that be. Are we fearful of the environmental calamity of inaction? Or are we more afraid of the short-term economic decline that would undoubtedly accompany an unprecedented shift in our relationship to the environment? Sadly, if the insights into French hierarchy by Thomas More prove accurate, power will likely aim to maintain itself through the path of least
Often devoid of reason, logic, and morality - power asserts its authority over the truth as a means of survival. This got me thinking about economics specifically. Most economists well-versed in the science of the climate change acknowledge that we need a global war on climate change commensurate with worldwide resource allocation during WWII. Yet global superpowers and developing nations alike frequently produce impotent agreements such as the Paris Climate Accords, that aren’t truly binding. Seemingly, moderation ensures security for power. Small reductions in carbon emissions won’t engender an economic collapse with political ramifications. However, a fundamental realignment in the our relationship to the environment could have disastrous ramifications. Imagine what a global carbon tax might due to business. Global markets could collapse, and short-term ramifications on ordinary individuals could prove disastrous. Ultimately, it will this be this economic calculous on the part of the entrenched powers that be. Are we fearful of the environmental calamity of inaction? Or are we more afraid of the short-term economic decline that would undoubtedly accompany an unprecedented shift in our relationship to the environment? Sadly, if the insights into French hierarchy by Thomas More prove accurate, power will likely aim to maintain itself through the path of least