I recently encountered a very brief and simple exchange on Facebook where I was reminded of the basic underlying arguments between "conservatives" and "liberals" about government-arranged financial aid for people whose problems fall in the "social" category (as opposed to disaster relief, for instance). I like arguments of this nature when there is some sort of reasonableishness being expressed on both sides. One thing I don't have much patience for is arguments where one or both parties are primarily opposing while avoiding proposing. I might make a t-shirt, "Don't just oppose...propose."
Really, all I'm saying is that if you are dissatisfied with the current manner of "solving" a problem, don't just raise your hand to say you don't like it, unless you have an alternative solution in mind.
The Situationist Blog has drawn attention to a New York Times piece which deals with behavioral research. I hope that behavioral research will get more attention in general, especially from people who are against helping others who need help.
CLICK THE LINE BELOW:
"People are complicated. If we're going to address problems, we need to understand..."
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