Christmas and Loyal Opposition
The Brits have a term for members of Parliament who are on opposite sides of an issue. Each calls the other his/her “loyal opponent.” There is something profoundly civilized about the phrase. Individuals may disagree, even passionately—but remain within the bounds of a shared humanity.
Our philosophy discussion group has met weekly for many years. Often too many of us are seated around the table to make the give and take of discussion easy. This is especially true when passions run high on evenings when politics is touched upon. With the passage of time each of us has developed more patience and improved listening skills.
We enjoyed a holiday social this past Tuesday. There was no topic on the agenda, other than coffee, pop, wine and holiday treats. I had a good time and I think that everyone else did as well. Is not life in part, a contention over ideas, and practices concerning which we have our point of view? (After all one can only see what one can see.) Life is also delight, joy, fun, appreciation–sharing good things with others. The good things can be as simple, as essential as good company.
A true idea is one that divides. When a philosopher deals with another philosopher, his/her stance is never one of dialog, but one of division, of drawing the line that separates truth from falsity.
–excerpt from Disparities by Slavoj Zizek
One thought on “Christmas and Loyal Opposition”
Fine post, Jerry. A similar supremely civilized Parliamentary concept is contained in this Woody Allen quip: “To you I’m an atheist; to God, I’m the Loyal Opposition.” More on the Loyal Opposition concept may be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyal_opposition. The general idea is that while people of good will may disagree about methods, both “We” and “They” are equally sincere in trying to serve the same over-arching ideals.
And Zizek hit the nail on the head in describing the goal of philosophers as “drawing the line that separates truth from falsity.” BINGO! Just the description greatly elevates our in-person and e-mail squabbles, eh?