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Reply to the message of Garda GHISTA
Lars HASSELBLAD-TORRES
Sunday, November 17, 2002 12:04 AM
This is [Garda’s definition on universalism] an interesting notion,
particularly in contrast to Alan Bloom's early observations on the "closing"
of American mind in relation to real, actual knowledge of "otherness"
beyond "openness."
I think the point is -- and it bears some merit -- it is important to look
toward certain social goods, desirable characteristics of individuals both
with nations and around the world, that keep us together. "Openness" (if this
is analogous to "universalism") is insufficient, as it is not a criteria that
defines actual contracts (tacit and explicit) between individuals. For
example, if we look at the U.S. Constitution, it is important to note that,
while equality is important, it does not come without constraints -- the
social contract if you will. All Americans must buy in at a pretty profound
level for this experiment to work and continue to exist. Therefore, for
example, while everyone is free to practice their religion, it would not be
appropriate within a particular religious practice to keep women from the
polls.
So while extolling the virtues of plurality, we should clarify what it is that
we will demand from one another as the essence of our interconnectedness (let
in not be limited to the market!).
Lars
WP21 Alliance Forum on a World Parliament for the 21st Century
E-mail : world-parl@forums.alliance21.org
Fax 1 717 264 5036
Information, inscriptions, désinscriptions: germa@alliance21.org
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