Sunday, February 26, 2006

Say What Prof. McAdams?

The Warrior's take on Everything Wrong with Europe, quoting Louis Hartz:

Europe is mired in ways of thinking that preceded the rise of capitalism, the philosophies of Locke and Mill, and the individualism that is so strong in America.

It has, in other words, a backward political culture.

Which remark begs the question: are Locke, Mill, Capitalism and Individualism signs of Progress?

And since when is Progress (defined in these terms) a Good Thing?

Does Hartz have any concept of the history of Europe, or of philosophy, or is he merely another of the thousands of "Certified Enlightened Individuals" who are considered to be Leading Lights?

Finally---does McAdams believe this stuff?

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