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In modern Western countries, the spectrum is usually defined along an axis of Conservatism ("the right") versus Socialism ("the left", called Liberalism in the United States). There are different opinions about what is actually being measured along this axis. Some people view it as a measure of social equality, some as a measure of the government's role in the economy, some as a measure of religion's place in society, some as a measure of the different weight put on fair outcomes versus fair processes. Eric Hoffer suggested that the right-left spectrum measures whether one is frightened by change (the right) or whether one embraces change (the left). ThomasSowell? has argued that one is left-wing to the extent that one beleives human nature, and therefore human society, is malleable, and right-wing to the extent that one believes human nature is fixed. Since it is not obvious how these various concepts are related, it is very confusing to speak of the right or the left without indicating what exactly you are refering to. |
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In modern Western countries, the spectrum is usually defined along an axis of Conservatism ("the right") versus Socialism ("the left", called Liberalism in the United States). There are different opinions about what is actually being measured along this axis. Some people view it as a measure of social equality, some as a measure of the government's role in the economy, some as a measure of religion's place in society, some as a measure of the different weight put on fair outcomes versus fair processes. Eric Hoffer suggested that the right-left spectrum measures whether one is frightened by change (the right) or whether one embraces change (the left). [Thomas Sowell]? has argued that one is left-wing to the extent that one believes human nature, and therefore human society, is malleable, and right-wing to the extent that one believes human nature is fixed. Since it is not obvious how these various concepts are related, it is very confusing to speak of the right or the left without indicating what exactly you are refering to. |
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Nonetheless, the right-left spectrum is so common as to be taken for granted. Many people have a hard time conceptualizing any alternative to it (see Politics, e.g.). However, numerous alternatives exist, usually having been developed by people who feel their views are not fairly represented on the traditional right-left spectrum. |
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Nonetheless, the right-left spectrum is so common as to be taken for granted. Many people have a hard time conceptualizing any alternative to it. However, numerous alternatives exist, usually having been developed by people who feel their views are not fairly represented on the traditional right-left spectrum. |
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Another alternative currently popular among certain environmentalists uses a single axis to measure the good of the earth against the good of big business, which is seen as being the force most likely to harm the earth. On this axis, many mainstream politicians normally considered left-wing (such as BillClinton) are considered no different from those normally considered right-wing, because of their allegedly pro-business policies. |
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Another alternative currently popular among certain environmentalists uses a single axis to measure the good of the earth against the good of big business, which is seen as being the force most likely to harm the earth. On this axis, many mainstream politicians normally considered left-wing (such as Bill Clinton) are considered no different from those normally considered right-wing, because of their allegedly pro-business policies. |
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In 1998, political author VirginiaPostrel?, in her book TheFutureAndItsEnemies?, offered a new single axis spectrum that measures ones view of the future. On one extreme are those who allegedly fear the future and wish to control it. On the other hand are those who want the future to unfold naturally and without attempts to plan and control. |
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In 1998, political author [Virginia Postrel]?, in her book [The Future and it's Enemies]?, offered a new single axis spectrum that measures ones view of the future. On one extreme are those who allegedly fear the future and wish to control it. On the other hand are those who want the future to unfold naturally and without attempts to plan and control. |
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