Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Stephen Diamond's avatar

But selfishness is less plausible if they have no existing relation to you, aren’t a good ally candidate, and are past their prime.

But if they are good ally candidates, you are still unlikely to be viewed as selfish for trying to raise their status. I think that's the answer to your final conundrum. There's little reason to waste unselfishness on those who aren't allies when you get the same credit for promoting an ally (provided it isn't an obvious crony and especially if the alliance is ideologically rationalized).

This probably bears on the merit norm itself. You're supposed to try to align status with merit—within your coalition.

Expand full comment
Loola's avatar

The liberty is not possible, the principles and what we need to hold, can bring all the elements for balance and stability.

Expand full comment
26 more comments...

No posts