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What is the Core of Right-Wing Ideology?

Bullseye said:
Believe it or not rightwing ideology is actually descended from historical liberalism; it favors, individual freedoms, personal responsibility and limited government. Let me be clear that there are few if any modern day Republicans that get close to that state. Politicians mouth the term but rarely attempt to enact anything near that state.
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That would be great if it were true.

The terms "left" and "right" in politics originated during the French Revolution of 1789, specifically within the National Assembly, which evolved from the Estates General. The seating arrangement in the assembly hall became the basis for the political labels: supporters of the monarchy and the Ancien Régime, who favored tradition and hierarchy, sat on the right side of the presiding officer, while advocates for revolutionary change, republicanism, and social reform sat on the left. This spatial division was not arbitrary; the right side was traditionally considered the seat of honor, a position associated with authority and established power, while the left side was seen as the "sinister" or less privileged side, often linked with subversion and new ideas. The distinction became firmly established as the revolution progressed, with the terms "left" and "right" being used to describe political affiliations and ideologies, a practice that spread beyond France to other nations. The original "Right" in France was formed in reaction to the "Left" and comprised those supporting hierarchy, tradition, and clericalism, while the "Left" aligned with Enlightenment principles, advocating for equality, liberty, and the rights of the common people.
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Left–right political spectrum - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Bullseye said:
Right Wing vs Left Wing is a political issue not an ideological one.
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Do you actually think ideology and politics are not connected?
 
dmpi said:
It's the concept of personal responsibility. You are responsible only to yourself and not to others. Contrast that with liberals. Their view is society (collectively) is responsible for all individuals.
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Selfishness is correct
 
Dans La Lune said:
Which principle or principles sit at the foundation of right-wing ideology?

Clearly it's not:

Capitalism / Free Market
Freedom / Liberty
Free Speech
Constitution
Law and Order
Property Rights
Sanctity of Life
Religion
Anti-Government

These things are often associated with right-wing ideology, but these principles so flexible and so easily transgressed and/or abandoned that they cannot be considered foundational principles.

Spoiler Alert: I know the answer. I rarely ask questions I don't know the answers to.
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I think Bill Buckley described it well, saying something like he saw himself astride history, running STOP!
 
Bullseye said:
Not a true or false question.
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My response was not a question.

Bullseye said:
on political/ideologic issues Wiki leans left
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Don't rely on Wikipedia then. This is basic knowledge of Left and Right politics, which originate from the French Revolution.



Bullseye said:
loosely associated at best. Mostly for public consumption.
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Ideology is the prism through which you see the world, and politics is downstream that.

"Political ideology is fundamentally linked to politics, serving as a core framework through which individuals and groups understand, interpret, and organize political life. It is a logically consistent set of ideas, beliefs, and values that guide how society should be governed, who should hold power, and how resources should be distributed. Ideologies are not merely abstract concepts; they are essential to the political process, as they provide the rationale for political action, policy decisions, and the justification of state power. Governments and politicians often seek clear ideological justifications for their actions, consciously aligning policies with an ideological agenda.

This link is evident in the way ideologies shape political identities and influence policy preferences. For instance, in the United States, liberalism is associated with supporting progressive change, egalitarianism, and government intervention to address social and economic inequalities, while conservatism emphasizes tradition, stability, and the acceptance of social hierarchies. These ideological positions directly influence policy decisions, such as views on taxation, welfare, healthcare, and civil rights. Political ideologies are also closely tied to political parties, which act as key vehicles for promoting and implementing specific ideological visions, although ideologies themselves are often more complex and amorphous than the simplified versions presented by parties.

Furthermore, ideology functions as a tool for mobilizing support and controlling political discourse. Modern states use ideological appeals to align public opinion with the principles of rulers and voters, often manipulating perceptions through strategic communication. This process can reduce the influence of genuine public opinion formed from personal experience, as ideological 'spin doctors' shape narratives to serve political elites. Ideologies also serve as a means of contesting meaning in political language, with different groups vying for control over the interpretation of key concepts like justice, freedom, and equality. Ultimately, ideology is an inescapable feature of politics, as all political action involves making decisions about contested meanings, and ideologies provide the necessary framework for these decisions."

Political Ideology, Trust, and Cooperation: In-group Favoritism among Republicans and Democrats during a US National Election - PMC

Theories suggest that political ideology relates to cooperation, with conservatives being more likely to pursue selfish outcomes, and liberals more likely to pursue egalitarian outcomes. In study 1, we examine how political ideology and political ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
study.com

Political Ideology | Definition, Examples & Importance - Lesson | Study.com

Understand what a political ideology is, learn about common forms, and see how they influence political views.
study.com study.com
 
Dans La Lune said:
Which principle or principles sit at the foundation of right-wing ideology?

Clearly it's not:

Capitalism / Free Market
Freedom / Liberty
Free Speech
Constitution
Law and Order
Property Rights
Sanctity of Life
Religion
Anti-Government

These things are often associated with right-wing ideology, but these principles so flexible and so easily transgressed and/or abandoned that they cannot be considered foundational principles.

Spoiler Alert: I know the answer. I rarely ask questions I don't know the answers to.
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1). Limited govt that protects and serves its own citizens first
2). Freedom to live your life in happiness without being oppressed by an overly intrusive govt
3). Free speech(no arbitrary, unfair, unequally applied "hate speech" laws designed to silence political dissent).
4). No authoritarianism or totalitarianism(i.e. no fascism or communism)
5). Nonpartisan education system that's 100% accountable to parents, NOT to radical Marxist teacher's unions or corrupt politicians.
6). Closed borders with limited LEGAL immigration of people(of all races), the majority of whom will contribute financially and socially to our country, and not immediately become wards of the state for generations.
7). Reasonable, practical environmental policies and regulations that actually help the environment, which aren't designed primarily to enrich and empower corrupt globalist oligarchies while stripping us of our rights and our savings.
8). Complete reform of our health institutions, so that they serve us, not big pharma and BlackRock
9). Completely dismantle the obviously corrupt and hyper partisan "news" media and reform it into an honest, unbiased institution that holds the powerful accountable(instead of helping the powerful to oppress us).
 
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What is the Core of Right-Wing Ideology?​

All the bad stuff you can think of. Treason, treachery, and criminality... oh, and underage sex trafficking and child rape.
 
Gozaburo said:
Progressivism, like communism, seem like the logical conclusions of tabular rasa liberalism. Consider that Marx was most influenced by the most radical interpreters of enlightenment liberalism like Rousseau.



I mean, they might believe in some form of "hierarchy" in the form of the state, but even the state for the left is supposed to be this deconstructed instrument to prevent parallel institutions (which are hierarchical) from forming. "The left" doesn't believe the genders, races, individuals, or any other group have any essential characteristics, there are just social constructs.

Now, do some leftists have incoherent worldviews where they selectively believe in essentialist frameworks when it suits some bias? Of course. The point is that liberal philosophy is fundamentally set against essentialism.
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Karl Marx was a character much like Donald Trump. Marx designed a system for the sole purpose of getting at the Capitalists. The Communist Manifesto reads like MAGA nut job speeches. All of his so-called works are grifts against people/system he hated.

Progressivism in modern US politics is an umbrella term that means many things to those who use it. There is no united left under the tent.
 
Dans La Lune said:
Which principle or principles sit at the foundation of right-wing ideology?

Clearly it's not:

Capitalism / Free Market
Freedom / Liberty
Free Speech
Constitution
Law and Order
Property Rights
Sanctity of Life
Religion
Anti-Government

These things are often associated with right-wing ideology, but these principles so flexible and so easily transgressed and/or abandoned that they cannot be considered foundational principles.

Spoiler Alert: I know the answer. I rarely ask questions I don't know the answers to.
Click to expand...
What is at the core of left wing ideology?
 
Dans La Lune said:
My response was not a question.



Don't rely on Wikipedia then. This is basic knowledge of Left and Right politics, which originate from the French Revolution.





Ideology is the prism through which you see the world, and politics is downstream that.

"Political ideology is fundamentally linked to politics, serving as a core framework through which individuals and groups understand, interpret, and organize political life. It is a logically consistent set of ideas, beliefs, and values that guide how society should be governed, who should hold power, and how resources should be distributed. Ideologies are not merely abstract concepts; they are essential to the political process, as they provide the rationale for political action, policy decisions, and the justification of state power. Governments and politicians often seek clear ideological justifications for their actions, consciously aligning policies with an ideological agenda.

This link is evident in the way ideologies shape political identities and influence policy preferences. For instance, in the United States, liberalism is associated with supporting progressive change, egalitarianism, and government intervention to address social and economic inequalities, while conservatism emphasizes tradition, stability, and the acceptance of social hierarchies. These ideological positions directly influence policy decisions, such as views on taxation, welfare, healthcare, and civil rights. Political ideologies are also closely tied to political parties, which act as key vehicles for promoting and implementing specific ideological visions, although ideologies themselves are often more complex and amorphous than the simplified versions presented by parties.

Furthermore, ideology functions as a tool for mobilizing support and controlling political discourse. Modern states use ideological appeals to align public opinion with the principles of rulers and voters, often manipulating perceptions through strategic communication. This process can reduce the influence of genuine public opinion formed from personal experience, as ideological 'spin doctors' shape narratives to serve political elites. Ideologies also serve as a means of contesting meaning in political language, with different groups vying for control over the interpretation of key concepts like justice, freedom, and equality. Ultimately, ideology is an inescapable feature of politics, as all political action involves making decisions about contested meanings, and ideologies provide the necessary framework for these decisions."

Political Ideology, Trust, and Cooperation: In-group Favoritism among Republicans and Democrats during a US National Election - PMC

Theories suggest that political ideology relates to cooperation, with conservatives being more likely to pursue selfish outcomes, and liberals more likely to pursue egalitarian outcomes. In study 1, we examine how political ideology and political ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
study.com

Political Ideology | Definition, Examples & Importance - Lesson | Study.com

Understand what a political ideology is, learn about common forms, and see how they influence political views.
study.com study.com
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All fine and interesting academic discourse. But I'm not sure many voters go through these types of analysis before making their ballot choices.
 
Moderate Right said:
What is political equality?
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A good question. Political equality is when your voice, your vote, matters as much in the political process anyone else's. Ever here of Second Class Citizens? Apartheid? Those are examines of political inequality.

Expanded:

"Political equality refers to the principle that all members of a political community should have equal status, influence, and consideration in the processes and institutions that govern them. It is a foundational ideal in democratic theory and practice, underpinning legitimacy and fairness in governance. At its core, political equality ensures that no individual or group holds disproportionate power over political decisions simply due to characteristics such as wealth, race, gender, religion, education, or social status. This concept is closely tied to political egalitarianism, which emphasizes inclusive allocation of political power, fair procedures, and equal treatment for all citizens regardless of personal attributes.

One of the most widely recognized expressions of political equality is the principle of "one person, one vote," which ensures that each citizen’s vote carries equal weight in elections. This formal mechanism aims to prevent domination by elites and to institutionalize the idea that every individual has an equal say in shaping government policies. Closely related is the principle of equality before the law, meaning that legal rights—such as freedom of speech, assembly, and due process—apply uniformly to all individuals without exception. These principles are central to liberal democracies and are often cited as key advantages over autocratic or oligarchic systems, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

However, political equality extends beyond formal rights and voting mechanisms. Scholars emphasize that it also involves substantive participation and representation. For instance, political equality requires not only the right to vote but also meaningful opportunities for citizens to engage in political life between elections, such as through civic organizations, advocacy, public deliberation, and holding elected office. The V-Dem Project defines political equality as the even distribution of political power across all societal groups, encompassing the ability to participate actively, secure representation, and influence policy outcomes after elections. This broader understanding includes indirect influence through elected representatives who are accountable to their constituents and responsive to their concerns.

The presence of money in politics poses a significant challenge to political equality. As noted in the International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, financial resources are essential for political communication and visibility, and unchecked concentrations of wealth can undermine the principle of equal consideration. Campaign finance regulations, public funding of elections, and transparency measures are often proposed as tools to mitigate these inequalities, though they remain contentious due to tensions with free speech and association rights.

Empirical research highlights that political inequality persists even in advanced democracies, where political participation and influence remain concentrated among the educated, wealthy, and ideologically committed. This disparity affects both participation (e.g., voting, contacting officials, attending rallies) and representation (e.g., responsiveness of policymakers to different groups’ interests). Therefore, assessing political equality requires examining both processes (how decisions are made) and outcomes (who benefits)."

en.wikipedia.org

Political egalitarianism - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
 
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