Social Control

On November 20th we took the liberty to discuss authority and the limits it imposes on individuals. As we examined the origins and necessity of social control many cited the innate human disposition to accept it. It was suggested that submission to authority lies at the core of childhood, religion and society. And more than one of us lamented the inability of individuals to organize by consensus, absent a ruler.

As the conversation was still ongoing when time ran out, we figured there was no law against continuing it at our next event. So come sit with us 3 PM Sunday, December 4th at the City Café as we carry on debating the roles of authority and the individual within our democracy and the larger world.

Prohibition

At our last meeting on November 6th, we discussed government prohibition of drugs and the enforcement of anti-drug laws, as well as the effects - both intended and unintended - of these policies. A variety of views were expressed on the propriety of drug prohibition and on the relative merits and demerits of using and/or abusing various drugs. The variety of participants' ages, backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs contributed to the true diversity of views expressed.

Much of the discussion centered around the justification for imposing authority upon individuals, and it was decided that this broader philosophical topic could be explored in greater depth at our next discussion. What is (or are) the legitimate source(s) of authority? Under what circumstances (if any) can the will of the many be justly imposed upon the few, or vice-versa? What principles can guide a just society in judiciously excercising this power, while preventing its abuse? I hope you'll join us for what promises to be a challenging and thought-provoking discussion, 3 PM Sunday, November 20th at the City Café.