Reflections on the Logic of the Good

the long version

"The failure of revolutionary utopian experiments is often blamed on a lack of commitment, courage, or self-sacrifice. Reflections on the Logic of the Good shows that such failures are inevitable irrespective of particular theories of human nature. Such utopian experiments must fail, in part because no single overarching theory of the good is either possible or desirable. And they must fail, in part because social systems are adaptive systems. The mathematics of adaptive systems is entirely general and does not distinguish between mechanical, electronic, biological, or social systems. In complex adaptive systems, multiple automatic control mechanisms are essential to survival, and so any single central plan or small group of planners will fail - no matter how benevolent, rational, or enlightened." "It follows that the stability and the health of human communities must be achieved by checks and balances, agonists and antagonists, forces and counterforces, and multiple decision makers rather than by central guidance and near perfect cooperation among its members." "Reflections on the Logic of the Good provides a powerful metaphysical and philosophical foundation for those who argue against the micromanagement of the individual, the economy, and the society. What emerges from this analysis is a non-relativistic ethical pluralism, an entirely general invisible hand theory, and a defense of the open mind, the open society, and the open universe."--Jacket.