Differences between conservatives and liberals

[TXlib]

Conservatives, I have noticed, have a tendancy to be more binary in their thinking: Good/bad, right/wrong. They tend to make decisions quickly based on considerations of best/worst case scenarios, and are less likely to rethink their decision once made.

Liberals, on the other hand, see a continuous spectrum between extremes. They spend more time deliberating because of the additional choices their worldview gives them, and even after they make a decision, and tend to continue to think about the decision, once made.

I didn't frame this as a Democrat/Republican difference, as there are liberal and conservative elements in both parties.

I don't think either of these mindsets (binary thinking vs seeing a spectrum) are necessarily better; it depends on the decision to be made.

Do you agree or disagree with my characterisation? Do you have any other differences you wish to add? Please don't post something purely abusive here; I'm looking for perceptions you have that you honestly believe both sides would agree are valid.

[GOPisEvil]

1. Generally speaking liberals will favor the individual over the corporation

Conservatives are the opposite.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

2. Neo-Cons cannot tolerate dissent and see events in an either/or framework.

They generally do not appreciate abstract concepts, and prefer to simplify events to good/bad. They are naturally suspicious.

[TXlib]

4. That's essentially what i said above.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

7. Yeah. I was backing you up.

I wasn't doing that typical DU thing of not reading the original post! Honest!
(well, maybe I just scanned it) sorry.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

3. I agree with your assessment, and....

I think this part: tend to continue to think about the decision, once made. while it makes us stronger decision makers, makes us weaker politically.

[TXlib]

5. Yes, it's why liberals are often termed "wafflers".

[kiahzero]

6. False dichtomies are logical fallacies.

Yes, I have noticed the conservative outlook you mention. I disagree with the notion that neither is better than the other: "binary thinking" is simply a worldview built on the logical fallacy of the false dichtomy.

To be fair, however, I would note that there are elements of the left that are susceptible to this kind of thinking. Also, there are elements of the right that are capable of breaking out of the dichtomy and seeing the spectrum between extremes: Kissinger's policies of detente & triangulation were great examples of this.

[NewHampster]

8. This is what Bill Maher said about Kerry last night

To paraphrase, "Since when did thoughtfulness become flip flopping".

the ability to think, grow and admit past mistakes is what makes us who we are. those are also the traits they hate the most.

[mvd]

9. Basic difference

Conservatives = think more about themselves; generally like the status quo
Liberals = see the human side of things; tend to be more progressive

[kmla]

10. Conservatives tend to think more selfishly. Liberals don't.

Case and point:

Conservatives are all about the "How does this affect me?" question.
What are you doing with MY tax money?
When two gay people marry, it offends ME!
Don't try to license MY guns!
If you environmentalist wackos would shut up, I could log MY forest!

Whereas liberals tend to be more outward in their thinking:

Hmmm. My tax money is helping fund many programs that help people. Sometimes even me...
I don't care if two gay people get married. It doesn't affect me or my marriage. If they are happy, more power to them!
Maybe if we required more stringent gun licensing, dumbasses wouldn't be able to get as many guns. Then, some people may end up living longer.
If they cut all of these trees down, we will all be poorer in the long run, because it fucks up OUR environment.

Conservatives = theory of EXclusion.
Liberals = theory of INclusion.

[jedicord]

11. Conservatives tend to stick to one opinion...

while Liberals investigate, read, are capable of changing their minds. A conservative friend sent that e-mail about Democratic presidents and the wars they "started", compared to wonderful Bush (Worst President Ever?). I sent the two e-mails I've created to send to the multiple conservatives who enjoy sending me that dribble. Her response?

"I don't have to read those if I don't want to."

Typical conservative reaction.

[skippysmom]

12. I think you're right

Conservatives seem to like that whole good v. evil, either you're with us or you're against us thinking. Liberals seem to be a little more nuanced, which makes for better thinking but harder campaigning.

Cons also seem to value business over government, and the individual over the collective.