Published In
Philosophy Today
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
5-2026
Subjects
polarization, dyad, triad, Manichean, Daoist, horseshoe political structure, left vs right, moderate vs extreme, holism, intersectionality, dynamic systems theory, catastrophe theory, game theory, factor analysis
Abstract
In times of political polarization, we are well-advised to heed Spinoza’s injunction, “Not to lament, not to curse, but to understand.” Understanding can be facilitated by ideas about the archetypal structures of political choice. This paper offers a systems theoretic analysis of a set of such archetypes focusing solely on their structures and not advocating any specific political positions. The primary question that must be answered is whether available or desirable political choices are dyadic or triadic, and if dyadic, whether the two alternatives of the dyad should be viewed as good versus bad or as complementary. Various modes of polarization are illustrated by locating two or more positions on a line, horseshoe, or circle. Positions are also understood as macro choices that bundle multiple micro choices, where different bundling options are in principle possible and where bundling is subject to structural change and even reversals. It behooves us to grasp the structures of the political situations that we face to avoid making intellectual and/or moral mistakes.
Rights
Copyright 2026 The Author
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44706
Citation Details
Zwick, Martin, "A Plague on Both Your Houses: Archetypes of Political Choice" (2026). Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations. 325.
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44706
Included in
American Politics Commons, Models and Methods Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Political Theory Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Public Policy Commons, Social Justice Commons
Description
This is the accepted manuscript of an article to be published in Philosophy Today. Summer of 2027.