Will the new saeculum start after the pandemic is over?

[Blazkovitz]

(05-01-2020, 08:05 AM)David Horn Wrote:

(05-01-2020, 04:35 AM)Blazkovitz Wrote: … I doubt if the term progressive is useful, since the Left has abandoned the idea of progress. Richard Dawkins is probably a proper progressive Leftist. In general the sceptic community stands for progress as it was understood in the previous saeculum, and as I still understand it, but most of them criticise the Left quite harshly like Sam Harris.

Pressing ahead with Basic Universal Income is Progressive and communitarian, but outside the SJW domain. It has a good chance of being enacted in the US.  No one is more surprised than me.

Good point

But in terms of culture, there are points of agreement between today's Left and primitive tribal societies:
-The emphasis on group identity and upholding its honour.
-Nature worship (climate alarmism comes close)
-Wanting to protect some ideas from criticism in name of avoiding victimization

(05-01-2020, 11:09 AM)Bob Butler 54 Wrote:

(05-01-2020, 04:35 AM)Blazkovitz Wrote: Though I doubt if the term progressive is useful, since the Left has abandoned the idea of progress. Richard Dawkins is probably a proper progressive Leftist. In general the sceptic community stands for progress as it was understood in the previous saeculum, and as I still understand it, but most of them criticise the Left quite harshly like Sam Harris.

I would consider the arrow of progress to be alive and well. Do you oppose autocracy? Seek equality? Favor human rights? Some do. The left has not abandoned striving towards progress, though from Nixon to Trump at least they have been fighting an up hill battle.

I prefer meritocracy to equality. Human rights are fine, though the Left seems keen on expanding the list endlessly, so that they start restricting other people's freedoms.