The Nature of Political Arguments by

KLING'S CENTRAL CLAIM

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POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS IN TODAYS WORLD ARE VERY DIVIDED AND OFTEN FOLLOW THREE MAIN VIEWPOINTS

Conservative

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(C):A perspective that values tradition, order, and moral standards.

Civilization-Barbarism Axis: A lens that views political issues through the lens of order versus chaos.

Progressive

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(P): Focuses on fairness and helping those who are treated unfairly.

Oppressor-Oppressed Axis: A way to understand politics through power differences.

Libertarian

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(L): An idea that prioritizes individual freedom and limited government.

Liberty-Coercion Axis: A way of framing issues based on freedom versus government control.

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SLOW VS. FAST THINKING : Taking time to weigh in other options for better understanding vs. quick thinking by being bias.

Kling's Goal:

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Kling's goal is to help people have better political discussions. By recognizing when our own side is trying to silence others, we can adjust our approach to be more open and thoughtful. This can lead to improved conversations for problem solving.

Purpose of this book

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“This book can help you recognize when someone is making a political argument that is divisive and serves no constructive purpose.” - Kling

Potential critique

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Kling acknowledges a potential critique that his three- axes model might make politics seem too simple by saying that people only fit into one category.

Response to critique

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He says that while people have varied opinions, they relate to one of these axes when discussing issues.

Potential critique

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Kling acknowledges that some might think his model oversimplifies political beliefs. It does not explain peoples idea's and does not apply to everyone, everywhere, throughout time.

Response to critique

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Kling explains that while his model simplifies things, it’s meant to help understand current political talks in America. He sees it as a starting point for deeper analysis

Example: Black Lives Matter

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Progressive view: focuses on racism and fighting it.

Conservative view: focuses on the need for law and order

Libertarian view: Concerned about police behavior and individual rights.

Example: Trump's Election

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Bobo vs. Anti- Bobo--> two cultural groups in America

Bobo: Educated, urban people who embrace diversity, who mostly supports liberal views.

Anti-Bobo: People in Rural areas who feel disconnected from urban values. This divide shows how different values lead to split in politics

The example below show how the same events can be viewed differently depending on the political beliefs, Kling is showing the importance of seeing other perspectives.

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Daniel Kahneman's:

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Kling borrows Kahneman's terminology from his 2011 book "Thinking, Fast and Slow." He wants readers to adopt slow political thinking so they see an issue from every perspective, not just their own.

Martin Gurri

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Gurri says many people are unhappy with leaders and the government which causes political changes.

David Brooks

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Brooks talks about cultural groups and how they relate to the divide between Bobo and Anti-Bobo groups.

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TRIBALISM: People stick to their own political views and ignore others. Strong loyalty to one group and not liking the others.

FRAMING ISSUES: Different groups see the same event in different ways which leads to misunderstandings

Other Key Terms

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A constructive process of conversation and deliberation: A person who is open to new ideas and respects different views.

Engage in deliberation: Discuss and consider different viewpoints before making your decision.

Solidify coalitions in an attempt to conquer or destroy others: Joining forces with others to defeat another group. It is about competition.

Deliberative: Consider different viewpoints, listen, and work together to reach a shared understanding.

Obstinate and less tolerant: Stubborn, not listening to the other side, and against the others who have different beliefs.

Below is an example of COALITIONAL BEHAVIOR: The tendency of individuals to form groups based on shared identities.

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EXAMPLES

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John Tooby

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John Tooby believes that forming alliances is a key part of human behavior shaped by evolution. Kling mentions Tooby to back up his points about social interactions