The “Ritual Function”: A Moral Trap -The Vow -The Debate -The Smith Commission Are these all part of a series of moral traps that sociologist Robert Merton, and theologist J. Philip Wogaman, would refer to as the “Ritual Function”? “Politicians are sometimes adept at this. Dealing realistically with health-care issues or poverty issues or criminal-justice issues may require raising taxes or changing budgetary priorities that, for political reasons, the politician feels he or she must not do. But a further study or a rousing speech or even the introduction of legislation with no chance of passing can be a way of appearing to deal with the problems. The ritual has replaced serious, realistic effort to achieve the goal” - Page 160, Moral Dilemmas, J. Philip Wogaman Having said this... Regarding the Smith Commission, it is still vital that we submit as many proposals to the commission as possible, both individual and collective. It is an opportunity to have our say, but it is also an opportunity to show Westminster that we are still engaged and not apathetic!
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:25:18 +0000
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