He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.
Karl Popper’s philosophy calls for directly and actively suppressing the people you and I deem “intolerant”. The fundamental problem with his philosophy is that the Nazis are already in charge. Any method you use to suppress “the intolerant”, you give to the Nazis. It goes straight into their hands for them to use against the people they deem “intolerant”. Popper asks you to forge the tools of your own demise.
Thomas Paine’s philosophy breaks the cycle. He opposes fascism in general. When you instill Thomas Paine’s values in the general populace, you discredit yourself in their eyes as soon as you call for suppressing anyone.
Fascism that you happen to agree with is still fascism. Popper’s actual paradox is that he was a fascist.
“Fascism that you happen to agree with is still fascism.”
Do you truly believe that those calling for oppression against fascists, become fascist? We must be using different definitions of fascism, unless you’re saying that us making them the out-group is the same. That doesn’t ring true to me. Are there examples of this from history?
Thomas Paine understood the problem.
Karl Popper’s philosophy calls for directly and actively suppressing the people you and I deem “intolerant”. The fundamental problem with his philosophy is that the Nazis are already in charge. Any method you use to suppress “the intolerant”, you give to the Nazis. It goes straight into their hands for them to use against the people they deem “intolerant”. Popper asks you to forge the tools of your own demise.
Thomas Paine’s philosophy breaks the cycle. He opposes fascism in general. When you instill Thomas Paine’s values in the general populace, you discredit yourself in their eyes as soon as you call for suppressing anyone.
Fascism that you happen to agree with is still fascism. Popper’s actual paradox is that he was a fascist.
Thank you, I will read more about this.
“Fascism that you happen to agree with is still fascism.” Do you truly believe that those calling for oppression against fascists, become fascist? We must be using different definitions of fascism, unless you’re saying that us making them the out-group is the same. That doesn’t ring true to me. Are there examples of this from history?