- cross-posted to:
- hackernews@lemmy.smeargle.fans
- cross-posted to:
- hackernews@lemmy.smeargle.fans
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/14962209
cross-posted from: https://awful.systems/post/1421688
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/14962209
cross-posted from: https://awful.systems/post/1421688
There were medieval scholars in early (“Dark”) middle ages who wrote about self-determination in the context of a greater community as part of the development of Christian intellectualism. I would read this part here, but the whole article is quite interesting (https://sites.nd.edu/manuscript-studies/2019/02/08/moral-self-determination-and-the-byzantine-christian-tradition/):
The idea being that one should self-determine, but also then be humble enough to know one’s limitations and understand how to harmonize your will with that of the community. The preceding paragraph really brings this idea home:
I am not a proponent of using religious influence to guide one’s morality or decision making, but I am just using the above paragraphs to discuss your first point.
You’re right that the history of democracy and democratic societies predates Medieval history, but historical examples of Western governing systems in which middle classes could participate are more well-known in the middle ages
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_parliamentarism#Early_parliaments_in_the_Middle_Ages
Essentially, people sought a centralization of power so they’d have an easier time dealing with the governing bodies–“one king and his court” vs. many nobles. Here’s a nice summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_system
By definition, there is no self-determination under the rule of a cult leader or authoritarian as you’re subject to define yourself by their will. The democratic tradition, in its various flavors, tends to lend some leeway in enabling anyone to exert their opinion and shape the way the community thinks. In fact, this tech dude wouldn’t be able to spout off his nonsense without a democracy of some sort, which is why we’re unfortunately exposed to his gibberish and now having this discussion.
Because the rise of parliamentarism (a type of democracy) helped form more efficient governing bodies.
I know :) The point I was making, however, is that people seek some greater purpose or meaning to align their will with that of others.