Tribalism: What Defines us or Divides us?

Topic: Tribalism: What Defines us or Divides us?

Chairman:
Mary Kennedy

Moderator:
Spencer Sinclaire

Meetup Date:
Wednesday, December 10th. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a 15 minute break at 8:00 p.m.

Meetup Location:
Upstairs at The Bent Mast, 512 Simcoe St. Victoria, BC, V8V 1L8

Members:
If you plan to attend, please take a moment and RSVP. If your plans change and you cannot attend, to the right of your name there are three dots, please click on them and move yourself to “Not Going.” Thank you.

Quotes:
"The normal behavior of the tribe often overpowers the desired behavior of the individual." ~ James Clear

"The individual has always to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Synopsis:
The philosophy of tribalism involves the deep identification with a group, leading to a prioritization of the group's interests over those of outsiders, often creating an "us vs. them" mentality. It can be seen as a complex psychological phenomenon rooted in loyalty and kinship, which can lead to both positive aspects like fostering collective action and identity, and negative aspects like inter-group conflict and prejudice.

Core concepts

In-group/out-group division: Tribalism creates a strong distinction between “us” (the in-group) and “them” (the out-group), sometimes described as an unbridgeable chasm.

Group good over individual rights: The needs and harmony of the group are considered paramount, sometimes taking precedence over the rights or autonomy of an individual member or an outsider.

Emotional and cognitive biases: It involves strong emotions like loyalty, disgust, and outrage directed at out-groups, and cognitive biases that favor in-group ideas and reject contrary evidence, leading to distorted judgment.

Positive aspects

Identity and security: It provides a strong sense of identity, belonging, and security for its members.

Collective action: It can facilitate cooperation and collective action within the group.

Virtue: Some philosophers argue that certain forms of tribalism can promote important virtues and increase the long-term viability of human groups.

Negative aspects

Conflict and discrimination: It can lead to hostility, conflict, and discriminatory behavior toward those outside the group.

Irrationality: Loyalty can replace critical thinking, leading to the rejection of inconvenient facts and the survival of bad ideas.

Obstacles to cooperation: It can create significant barriers to cooperation between different groups and societies.

Overcoming tribalism

Religion, intelligence, and reason: Philosophers have suggested that religion, intelligence, and philosophical reasoning can help individuals open their souls beyond tribal affiliations.

“Enlightened tribalism”: Some propose an approach called “enlightened tribalism,” which seeks to distinguish between destructive tribalism that causes unnecessary conflict and forms of tribalism that promote group flourishing.

Global perspectives: Recognizing the existence of smaller tribes within larger ones and adopting a global tribe perspective are seen by some as ways to move beyond tribal limitations.

Watch:
"The Dangers of Tribalism" on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/7y-b7f6CK2M?si=Rtvm35dMuvq3wgIv