Great post, and the definition of disorder was clarifying! That said, I disagree with the framing of disorderly behavior as rational. I think the opposite is true: emotionalism, or non-reason, is at the root of disorderly behavior, and is also part of the natural state of the world. The non-rational impulse says that it's in my interest …
Great post, and the definition of disorder was clarifying! That said, I disagree with the framing of disorderly behavior as rational. I think the opposite is true: emotionalism, or non-reason, is at the root of disorderly behavior, and is also part of the natural state of the world. The non-rational impulse says that it's in my interest to kill, steal, or lie—to use force or fraud—to get ahead because it's easier, or it because it feels good, regardless of the impact on others or my own long-term welfare. Conversely, modern civilization took force out of everyday human interactions, monopolizing its use in the hands of government to bring order to society, leaving people to deal with each other by rational means: persuasion, negotiation, trade. This enables "social control"—but also a benevolent sense of society, the recognition that other people are non-threatening and, in fact, good. In that framing, then, disorder reintroduces non-rational or emotionalistic behavior into the public sphere and breaks down social benevolence; the criminal justice system is then a rational means of reimposing order on disorderly spaces. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
Great post, and the definition of disorder was clarifying! That said, I disagree with the framing of disorderly behavior as rational. I think the opposite is true: emotionalism, or non-reason, is at the root of disorderly behavior, and is also part of the natural state of the world. The non-rational impulse says that it's in my interest to kill, steal, or lie—to use force or fraud—to get ahead because it's easier, or it because it feels good, regardless of the impact on others or my own long-term welfare. Conversely, modern civilization took force out of everyday human interactions, monopolizing its use in the hands of government to bring order to society, leaving people to deal with each other by rational means: persuasion, negotiation, trade. This enables "social control"—but also a benevolent sense of society, the recognition that other people are non-threatening and, in fact, good. In that framing, then, disorder reintroduces non-rational or emotionalistic behavior into the public sphere and breaks down social benevolence; the criminal justice system is then a rational means of reimposing order on disorderly spaces. Looking forward to reading more of your work!