| | To all (but especially Robert B, Michael K, and George C. who charmed their ways into my brain with their desire to pull up a chair, sip and talk),
My purpose in posting the "3 rules of compromise" was to generate some discussion about where TOC belongs, if it belongs anywhere.
So, for example, those of you who assume that TOC and ARI hold the same basic principles, which is the more consistent and thus the one that the rule predicts will win the field. There are two questions here, I think: 1) do they hold the same basic principles and on what grounds do you think so, and 2) if they do, which is the more consistent and on what grounds. You might also want to post on whether you think this rule is true or not and on what grounds.
Rule #2 involves a similar discussion. Assuming that TOC collaborates (defined, please; is this different from "sanctions"?) with, say, religious conservatives (you pick your own "devil(s)"), will the more evil (religious conservatives?) win? Here I assume that the basic principles of the two groups are different but you might want to start with a discussion of the grounds for thinking that the two in your example meet this criterion. Again, is the rule true or not, and on what grounds.
Rule #3 is the toughest of the three, I believe. Questions: 1) have the differences between ARI and TOC been clearly defined? grounds, please. 2) are these differences basic? grounds, please. And, of course, the crux of the matter -- and the key to this debate -- which is the more rational (define, please) side, and will it win? Again, is the rule true or not, and on what grounds.
You might want to discuss what "winning" amounts to, here. Is it merely changing people's minds about who is evil and who isn't? Is it who will become the organization that will spread Objectivism (as you define it, please)? How will winning change the culture?
ROBERT, you said that you believe there is "considerable misunderstanding of how those principles apply contextually." I, for one, am not sure what you are getting at, so would welcome your clarification.
Tom
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