Is there a way out of this cycle? or is it absolute? The "deep conflict drawn along lines of race, gender, economic policy and values" doesn't yet seem to indicate that we are doomed as a civilization, or society. The recognition and addressing of such a fact - and the public discussion of it - seems to be a great blessing, not a curse, so long as we can disagree on issues peacefully. The west's unique adherence to dialectic could ultimately serve to strengthen its identity. It might, through the synergy of counter dialectics, bear new ideas forth (like the Socratic midwife) and, without weaponry or descent into barbarism, become stronger as a whole.
Is there a way out of this cycle? or is it absolute? The "deep conflict drawn along lines of race, gender, economic policy and values" doesn't yet seem to indicate that we are doomed as a civilization, or society. The recognition and addressing of such a fact - and the public discussion of it - seems to be a great blessing, not a curse, so long as we can disagree on issues peacefully. The west's unique adherence to dialectic could ultimately serve to strengthen its identity. It might, through the synergy of counter dialectics, bear new ideas forth (like the Socratic midwife) and, without weaponry or descent into barbarism, become stronger as a whole.