The Graduate Student's Question

In this volume, Battaglia examines which human cultures best meet human needsand desires. (Philosophy)

The Graduate Student's Question (SECOND EDITION) presents the author's political and social philosophy. SOCIOLOGY: Societies are collections of cultures. Culture is represented in the memorized beliefs, habits and rituals which guide each person's behavior. Each culture develops its own standards and logic during its evolution, which need not conform to any general standard. Human cultures can even defy environmental limitations for a while. POLITICS: The Ideal State is a modern invention, founded on the French Revolutionary slogan: "Liberty, Equality Fraternity " Realizing an Ideal State requires arranging the government, society and economy along democratic and communitarian lines. The Welfare State as practiced in Europe and Canada, but not in the United States, is based on a conception of the Ideal State. The Ideal State is inconsistent with unfettered Capitalism and most Social Contract theories, because, above all, the Ideal State provides for human welfare, not fulfillment of abstract principles. The Ideal State is not a machine, but changes its form and function as circumstances and human judgements require. It is a flexible container of human societies. The Ideal State lasts longer than other forms of government because its citizens are more socialized and mindful of their environment. While rigidly structured societies can last a long time, they are likely to shatter when confronted with much changed conditions and severe problems. HISTORY: Societies rise and fall. Collapse can be postponed for a long time, if people choose to live in accord with Nature. This requires knowledge of Gaia, our biological planet, and the wisdom of self-control. When people abuse the environment, lack social conscience and do not regulate themselves, evolutionary factors eventually exterminate them. The regulated, social democracy of the Ideal State is a good plan for societies seeking long term survival.