Worldview Analysis: Process Philosophy and American Government/Society
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For this assignment, you will write a 2–3-page essay (double-spaced, 1-inch margins) providing examples of how some facet of “process philosophy” has impacted American government and/or society. You may focus on just 1 example, or you may discuss 2–3 examples.
Options include the following topics:
• A specific piece of legislation.
• The “party platform” of either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party (or both).
• Family and marriage.
• Economics.
• Civil rights.
• Education.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Worldview Analysis: Process Philosophy and American Government/Society
The concept of “process philosophy”, as postulated by two scholars Alfred N. Whitehead and Charles Sharthorne, operates from a core belief that processes and events are the key determining ontological categories (Hausman, 2008). Basically, the two elements provide a platform to justify the existence of all forms in nature, reality, and all categories of being as well as all their relations. While this concept is largely anchored on the Einsteinian world-view, it has been widely applied in real life as a factor that drives and influences key facets in the human society, especially that of the United States (Stanlick, 2013). It is on this premise that this paper proceeds to develop an interrelationship between the philosophy and key aspects of the American society, specifically, economics, and family and marriage.
Considering the influence of the process philosophy on America’s economy, the relationship between them can only be remotely traced. However, a keen analysis of the intricacies of the concept reveals astounding connection with some key principles and theories that have played a great role in shaping the economic realm of the superpower nation. For instance, the Marxian, Libertarian, and the Keynesian theories have some shreds of connection with the philosophy (Stanlick, 2013). Inasmuch as this relationship may not be auspiciously established for all the aforementioned theoretical frameworks, at least the Keynesian theory holds some relevance.
This claim can be substantiated by looking back into the historic periods such as the war eras. Since the Keynesian theory is firmly anchored on historical perspectives, the process philosophy provides supporting clues to it by favouring most of its historical experiences, and being more pragmatic when it comes to dealing with human problems (Stroll, & Popkin, 2014). Basically, it is a common knowledge that economics exists as a channel for alleviating human suffering, and providing a platform for exchange of goods and services. This principle has helped a great deal to create a balanced form of carrying out transactions. As a result, the adoption of the concepts of Keynesian theory, supported closely by the process philosophy, has provided a means of survival, and placed a justification for the existence of the human nature (Stanlick, 2013). It this belief in the contribution of economics to human life that has so much shaped the American economy, and enabled it to rise to the position of a superpower.
Secondly, the process philosophy makes some basic assumptions of human beings and the society, that the process view of the human nature is that which transcends simplistic libertarianism to embrace complete individualism and Marxism. This assumption has driven the American economy to be guided by the urge to grow bigger, richer, and more powerful than any other country in the global sphere. This individualistic Marxist tendency has also largely integrated itself among individuals within the state, where each person works towards amassing as much wealth as is economically feasible (Stroll, & Popkin, 2014). While this trend may not be viewed by communists as a concept that serves the sole purpose of economics, that is solving the problems of humans, it has largely helped the American economy to grow rapidly to surpass that of other powerful states such as the United Kingdom.
On the basis of family and marriage, the process philosophy has had unimaginable effects. Social theorists argue that the basic purpose of life of a human’s is to raise a family, and form strong social ties, guided by principles of care, love, and respect (Stroll, & Popkin, 2014). This concept views the human life as that which exists in a circular form; one is born, grows up, marries, and dies. This argument puts the concept of marriage at the pinnacle of the circle of human life, without which the continuum cannot exist. Traditionally, marriages were respected, and historians record that the number of divorce cases was minimal. However, as the society progresses, America has witnessed skyrocketing instances of divorce cases, where the average period people spend in marriages is estimated at five years (Stanlick, 2013). Notably, it is not only the marriage institution that has been affected. People are no longer interested in siring children, instead, the moral role of grownups of childbearing has been commercialized, and child adoption is the order of the day.
Amid all these developments, one wonders how the process philosophy comes in. Well, it is understandable that the existence of human beings, and their respective roles in the society is guided by the natural ontological principles of nature (Stroll, & Popkin, 2014). However, the perspective of this natural mandate has since shifted, thereby experiencing a complete paradigm shift, which is only explained by the concept of the process philosophy. It is arguable that humans have applied this principle in justifying their very existence, realities in life, and their reason for living. As this perspective continues to change, so does the behaviour of the American society.
In conclusion, it is imperative to note that the process philosophy has appreciably been significant in shaping the American society, with specific emphasis on the economic and social aspects. While the interrelationship among the concepts above can only be vaguely established, a critical analysis reveals a clear pattern of influence, which has remained systematic since the historical periods.
References
Hausman, D. M. (2008). The Philosophy of Economics : An Anthology. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Stanlick, N. A. (2013). American Philosophy : The Basics. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Stroll, A., & Popkin, R. H. (2014). Philosophy Made Simple. New York: Three Rivers Press.
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