Liberalism fails to understand the true nature of politics from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
Liberalism, with its emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, is fundamentally flawed in its understanding of politics. It fails to grasp the true nature of politics, which is characterized by conflict and struggle. Politics is not simply a matter of rational debate and compromise; it is a realm of power and decision-making where opposing forces vie for supremacy. Liberalism's belief in the possibility of consensus and universal values overlooks the fact that politics is inherently based on distinctions and divisions. There will always be competing interests and conflicting worldviews that cannot be reconciled through rational discourse alone. This is where the concept of the political comes into play, as it recognizes the irreducible antagonisms that exist within human society. By denying the existence of these fundamental conflicts, liberalism undermines the very essence of politics. It seeks to depoliticize the public sphere by promoting a false sense of harmony and unity. In doing so, it neglects the crucial role of power and decision in shaping political outcomes. The political, on the other hand, embraces this reality and acknowledges the importance of making choices and taking sides in the face of conflicting interests. Schmitt's critique of liberalism highlights the dangers of ignoring the antagonistic nature of politics. By glossing over these fundamental divisions, liberalism creates an illusion of consensus that can easily be shattered when confronted with real-world conflicts. The concept of the political, with its emphasis on the friend-enemy distinction, offers a more realistic and nuanced understanding of politics as a realm of perpetual struggle and competition.- The failure of liberalism to understand the true nature of politics lies in its refusal to acknowledge the inherent conflicts and divisions that characterize political life. By embracing a more realistic and confrontational view of the political, we can better grasp the complexities of power and decision-making in the public sphere.
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