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A great example why the "assume good intentions"-meme is actually pretty broken and leaves those that follow it with a disadvantage. The same way as "assume go
by lynx23 3y ago
A great example why the "assume good intentions"-meme is actually pretty broken and leaves those that follow it with a disadvantage. The same way as "assume good intentions" fails when interacting with sociopaths, it also fails when interacting with lawmakers and authorities in general.
- rcarr 3y agoCommander William T. Riker: In all trust, there is the possibility of betrayal. I'm not sure you were... prepared for that. Lt. Commander Data: Were you prepared, sir? Commander William T. Riker: I don't think anybody ever is. Lt. Commander Data: Hm... Then it is better not to trust? Commander William T. Riker: Without trust, there's no friendship, no closeness. None of the emotional bonds that make us who we are. Lt. Commander Data: And yet you put yourself at risk. Commander William T. Riker: Every single time. Lt. Commander Data: Perhaps I am fortunate, sir, to be spared the emotional consequences. Commander William T. Riker: Perhaps. https://youtu.be/JCvqMk4P3zQ https://youtu.be/JCvqMk4P3zQ
- cnity 3y agoTNG is the most comprehensive analysis of ethics I've ever witnessed. No media or publication even comes close to delivering such a sense of understanding the timeless difficulties of the human experience.
- lynx23 3y agoAnd yet, it portrays a "would like to have" world that couldn't be more distant from what we actually have. It is literaly (science) fiction. Using a fictious 24th century chat between a womanizer and a fancy robot to explain to a 21st century real world human they should be more trusting is rather, shall I say odd?
- cnity 3y agoYou're missing the point. The setting of TNG is radically different from ours for the reason you described, and yet their problems of trust are the same. Using science fiction to deliver messages pertinent to today is typical and, arguably, the goal of science fiction. It isn't odd at all.
- lynx23 3y agoI don't think I am missing the point. As you mentioned, the setting of TNG is radically different from today. And I submit that in such a different setting, it is orders of magnitudes easier to trust, because (most) people from the 24th century are part of that setting, and are vastly easier to trust then people from today. So assuming a person from today just has to believe in the virtual ethics of TNG is just crazy and naiv. I know that scifi is being used to reflect on the present. That doesnt mean it is always helpful.
- cnity 3y agoIt's not about taking these "virtual ethics" at face value. It's about watching a touching moment between characters and recognising that elements of that situation can be related to. If you are unable to consume fiction without being able to do this then I really don't know what to say.
- lynx23 3y agoI am blind. I am glad that you are able to call this trivially constructed scene "touching", in a sense I am happy that life for you seems to be that simple. Enjoy.
- actionfromafar 3y agoWith lawmakers it’s tricky. The individual people involved often have good intentions. But the political machine is a different beast. Seeing like a state, and all that.
- lynx23 3y agoMost individuals doing a job have income as their primary incentive. Much of what they claim besides that is a socially necessary mask. Nobody wants to be "just greedy", so they appeal to emotion and claim they have a higher cause. But how do you propose to measure if that higher cause actually exists?