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Single Idea 22851

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 1. Ideology ]

Full Idea

In the 1950s there was talk of the 'end of ideology' - that grand passions over ideas were exhausted, and in future problems would be solved by technical expertise.

Gist of Idea

In the 1950s they said ideology is finished, and expertise takes over

Source

Steven Lukes (Power: a Radical View (2nd ed) [2005], Intro)

Book Ref

Lukes,Steven: 'Power: a radical view' [Macmillan 2005], p.2


A Reaction

An understandable thought, once fascism and communism seemed to have burned themselves out. Political commentators always try to grip the crowds with simplistic labels, but fewer people will now read up an ideology. Tacit ideology.


The 15 ideas from Steven Lukes

Hidden powers are the most effective [Lukes]
The pluralist view says that power is restrained by group rivalry [Lukes]
Power is a capacity, which may never need to be exercised [Lukes]
In the 1950s they said ideology is finished, and expertise takes over [Lukes]
Anyone who thinks capitalism can improve their lives is endorsing capitalism [Lukes]
One-dimensionsal power is behaviour in observable conflicts of interests [Lukes]
Political organisation brings some conflicts to the fore, and suppresses others [Lukes]
The evidence for the exertion of power need not involve a grievance of the powerless [Lukes]
The two-dimensional view of power recognises the importance of controlling the agenda [Lukes]
Power can be exercised to determine a person's desires [Lukes]
There is collective action, where a trend is manifest, but is not attributable to individuals [Lukes]
Liberals take people as they are, and take their preferences to be their interests [Lukes]
Power is affecting a person in a way contrary to their interests [Lukes]
Power is the capacity of a social class to realise its interests [Lukes]
Supreme power is getting people to have thoughts and desires chosen by you [Lukes]