This post illustrates the divergences in our perspectives of the dysfunctions and potential "therapeutic" strategies. If you come to integrate more of MacIntyre's perspective, this comment may make more sense going forward. First, I strongly agree with your characterization of "fascism" as a counter strategy to "cauterize" the divisions opened by the creation of controversy and moral emergency brought about by the internal incoherence of liberalism. Which is to say that fascism, from this perspective, is very much a liberal phenomenon. However, calling it a "therapy" seems a stretch. A therapy is meant to address an underlying source of dysfunction to restore health; whereas, "fascism" seems like a radical means of stopping the bleeding as in a trauma. As you state: >There can never be enough democracy, freedom, individualism, peace, tolerance. ...They can’t stop themselves; they must be stopped. That’s what *Fascism* is for. But what happens when this method is used? You impl
According to Wikipedia, "cautery can also mean the branding of a human, either recreational or forced." While we're using medical metaphors, "triage" comes to mind as well. Yes, a "fascist" strategy undertaken by Trump wouldn't abolish liberalism, and no doubt doing so is unimaginable to him. Medics are preferable to arsonists. It's better to be able to have these discussions in public and relative safety. How can a non-liberal order eventually be established? That's the horizon of the work. I think we'll need other than medical metaphors.