Exam 2 - Marcuse on Tolerance

Question 1

LIBERALISM IS A PROBLEM

Answer 1

• establishes false consciousness
• disparate capital distribution
• inequality is solvable through rational debate

Question 2

the REALITY of liberalism

Answer 2

• rational debate is a form of social control
• free expression is an illusion, which really gives way to your own ideological domination

Question 3

Marcuse’s PRAXIS and four elements

Answer 3

• his theory of how a revolution should work; seeking to awaken self-consciousness that is otherwise repressed by external forces.
  1. alienation (marx)
  2. reification (materialization of an idea - lukacs)
  3. inauthenticity (heidegger)
  4. excessive formal rationality (weber)

Question 4

formula for ANTI-LIBERAL REVOLUTION (towards the left)

Answer 4

intolerance of ideas of “right” before the “deed” + violence practiced by the oppressed to its oppressors (revolt)

Question 5

passive vs. active toleration

Answer 5

passive (partisan): established attitudes and ideas even if the damaging effect on man/nature is obvious (i.e. free speech rights apply even to extremists/enemies of society)
active (non-partisan): tolerance granted to right and left (AKA PURE/ABSTRACT); to all movements of peace or hate.

Question 6

repressive tolerance

Answer 6

the tolerance of harmful ideologies that perpetuate oppression and domination

Question 7

ALL THOUGHT IS SUBJECTIVE!!!

Answer 7

strong version

Question 8

problems with rational discourse?

Answer 8

will NOT provide prescriptive models of society - free expression is a flawed process giving consent to your own domination

Question 9

Marcuse’s LIFE WORK

Answer 9

to rescue radical socially transformative subjectivity from the oppressive forces of capitalism, imperialism, colonialism, patriarchy (system of domination)
- this was a very left-leaning guy …

Question 10

“totalitarian” liberal democracy

Answer 10

• linked to liberalism
• the affluence (high social status) concentrates power to establishment (government)
• media, language, propaganda that reinforces prevailing opinions
• i.e., the WEALTHY of the society create and control the social climate of democracy, thus, it is not so democratic at all - rather, it is totalitarian in the sense that it encompasses CONCENTRATED POWER.

Question 11

equality

Answer 11

• universalism
• linked to rationality
• does not exist in a repressive society (i.e., the one we live in)

Question 12

liberating tolerance

Answer 12

• PRAXIS (revolution)
• supports the marginalized and oppressed
• “TOLERANCE” MUST BE REJECTED AND REPLACED WITH INTOLERANCE (OF RIGHT WING IDEAS)

Question 13

capitalism critique

Answer 13

“capitalism only pretends to be open to criticism by allowing some radical intellectuals to dissent - but everyone knows full well nothing will ever come of these concerns/individuals and their voices”.

Question 14

liberating tolerance means selective censorship

Answer 14

limiting expression of ideas on the right side and the extension of tolerance towards policies and attitudes which are outlawed (radical/left) in the eyes of liberalism.

Question 15

popper vs. marcuse - the LINE

Answer 15

popper: no one should be repressed or suppressed in their ideas, free speech for all will led to good outcomes
marcuse (CROSSES that line): tolerance is damaging and oppressive and we must silence those who put forward bad ideas (right leaning)

Question 16

discriminating tolerance

Answer 16

TOLERANCE discriminates by conserving the status quo of inequal/discriminatory norms

• radical minoroties willing to break the tyranny of the majority are the key to a truly free, sovereign majority in the future.

Question 17

who should the main agents of revolution be?

Answer 17

students/young people of newer generations (stopping before the deed - un-learning harmful ideals)
the oppressed with experiences hold the key to truth
authentic experience through sexuality and art is useful!!!

Question 18

political action?

Answer 18

REQUIRED because liberalism will always tolerate right-wing ideas as EQUAL to left-wing (this is false because right ideas favour totalitarian democracy)

Question 19

tolerating INTOLERANCE? otherwise, allowing intolerance?

Answer 19

BENEFICIAL AND NECESSARY FOR ESCAPING THE TOTALITARIAN DEMOCRACY THAT IS LIBERALISM.