Europe and U.S. (Two different views of the world)

I just read an essay entitled "Of Paradies and Power." The author postulates that Europeans view the world through a markedly Kantian lens while the Americans view the world through a Hobbesian lens. The kicker: the reason why Europeans are able to live their world by Kantian ethics is because America, by practising a Hobbesian foreign policy, make it safe for them to do so.

It's difficult for Americans (politicians, specifically - by no means am I assuming that the entire American populace shares this view) to espouse Kantian ethics when history has demonstrated (in their view) that force is the only language uncderstood by international "trouble-makers." The irony: Europeans despise Americans for their foreign policy, but, foreign policy made it possible for them to enjoy their peace and foster their enlightenment, Kantian ethics.

Comments?

How did the US's foreign policy make it possible for us to live in peace?

I really don't see that. As far as I can see, US foreign policy has been about waging war on countries which pose no real threat to the western world.

Oh here we go again...


*exits thread back to sanity...*

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Originally posted by red_war_machine
I really don't see that. As far as I can see, US foreign policy has been about waging war on countries which pose no real threat to the western world.

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Damn straight! I'm pushing for France to be next, personally.

Most of Europe is just haters, except for England. Most of the rest are simply jealous of the power of the US and our sanitary practices.

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Most of Europe is just haters, except for England.

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:bs: England are haters just as much as the rest of Europe. Believe me, I am a full blooded brit that will fight those who bash us.
We do look down on the rest of the world, we even look down on ourselves: whether it be b/c they are a cockney, or a scouser, a geordie or a brummy... people look down on each other for the same reasons that they do around the world. They do because they live in a different culture with different mannerisms. As a whole, people don't like what's different. Hence, a good reason on why those of different countries don't like each other - difference.

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Most of the rest are simply jealous of the power of the US and our sanitary practices

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I dislike most Man U supporters... does this make sense? It isn't because I am jealous on how well they are doing, but because I support Liverpool. I have a firm belief that if you aren't from Manchester or don't have a good reason to support them besides "they're good" then you are a glory hunter. And all glory hunters should be eaten alive by football hooligans.
I support Liverpool because I have a sister who is a lot older than me with a husband that I have known since I can remember from there, because he is family and they are a great team... I support Liverpool FC.

Well, Australia is different to both, though I'm not sure of a philosopher which represents our Country's general ethics.

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Originally posted by Atlas I support Liverpool FC.

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So it's not a good idea for me to mention that I'm a Chelsea supporter?

Actually, I think Emerson's the most influential philosopher when it comes to understanding American ethics and policy. Self-reliance, a deemphasis of the differences between cultures...I think Emersonian transcendentalism is the true American religion.

The UK has been in conflict - it kind of wavers (think the UK's disastrous socialism), but I think fundamentally the culture's based on the same philosophies, Carlyle, Wordsworth, even PG Wodehouse.

The people saying that Europe is Kantian only understand parts of Kantian stuff, the things that connect him to Hegel. Calling the US Hobbesian seems completely off base, too - the trust inherent in capitalism would have no place in the US, with a Hobbesian worldview.

Anyways, there are elements of Kant in Europe, and elements of Hobbes in the US/UK, but if you ask me, I'd say that Europe is Hegelian, and the US is Emersonian.

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Originally posted by Stone
Actually, I think Emerson's the most influential philosopher when it comes to understanding American ethics and policy. Self-reliance, a deemphasis of the differences between cultures...I think Emersonian transcendentalism is the true American religion.

the US is Emersonian.

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I can agree with this. To put it simply Emerson pretty much says to rely, think and do things for yourself (not conforming to the typical thoughts and ideas of others just for the sake of being a part of society) and fuck everyone else which pretty much describes Americans..no?? :)

(I've only read Self-Reliance and another one..think it was called Experience..its been a long time)