Philosophy

» paper_turtle - The Problems

RLSharp wrote:
the fluidity feminists mean is more about flexibility in thought. The idea is that men praise consistency, while women are willing to change their minds. In derogatory language (perhaps, sexist language?) this would be called whim or capriciousness. But feminists try to reclaim the idea by making flexibility positive and saying that overconsistency can often be stubborness rather than integrity.

Think about the traits which would be beneficial in raising a child who will become a happy, mentally healthy adult. Flexibility is very important (IMO). Insistence on strict adherence to a particular rule is not always the most productive approach. It can lead to helplessness or rebellion. Flexibility implies being able to admit one is wrong and another option might be better.

I think there is a difference between capriciousness and being flexible. We call an act capricious when we judge that the reason for changing ones mind were illogical. But not being able to follow another person's reasoning does not necessarily mean the other person was being illogical.
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In many ways, this gets to the heart of the problem with Bush, for some people. Is he showing integrity and consistency by seeing things through or is he just being stubborn and not admitting he made a mistake in his war on terror?

From my point of view, Bush is being stubborn, and his stubbornness is born of fear. As I see it, he can't admit he's wrong about "A" because this admission would also, in his mind, imply that "B," "C," and "D" might also be wrong. If he's wrong he loses face. He fears appearing weak.

peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle