Free thought is a casualty of the battle for virtue supremacy from "summary" of Dictatorship of Virtue by Richard Bernstein
The relentless pursuit of virtue has become a dominant force in our society, shaping the way we think, speak, and act. In this battle for moral superiority, free thought often finds itself on the losing end. The pressure to conform to a certain set of beliefs and values can stifle independent thinking and dissenting opinions. The notion of virtue supremacy suggests that there is a hierarchy of moral values, with some deemed more worthy or righteous than others. Those who subscribe to this belief system often see themselves as the gatekeepers of morality, enforcing their standards on others and silencing any opposition. In this environment, free thought is viewed as a threat to the established order, a dangerous deviation from the accepted norms. The consequences of this mindset are far-reaching. Critical thinking and intellectual curiosity are discouraged, as individuals are expected to toe the line and adhere to a predetermined set of beliefs. Dissent is seen as heresy, punishable by social ostracism or even professional ruin. The fear of being labeled as morally deficient or politically incorrect can have a chilling effect on open discourse and debate. In the quest for virtue supremacy, nuance and complexity are often sacrificed in favor of black-and-white thinking. Shades of gray are dismissed in favor of stark contrasts between good and evil, right and wrong. This binary worldview leaves little room for ambiguity or dissent, creating a stifling atmosphere where conformity reigns supreme.- The battle for virtue supremacy can have a detrimental impact on our society as a whole. By silencing dissenting voices and stifling free thought, we risk losing the very diversity of ideas and perspectives that are essential for a thriving democracy. It is only by embracing open dialogue and respectful debate that we can hope to transcend the limitations of moral absolutism and cultivate a truly inclusive and pluralistic society.
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