Two Bases for Community

A community is typically thought to arise on the basis of shared values. But the American community has a different basis, namely, an agreed-on method of arbitrating discrepant values.

Of course here too there must be the shared value of resolving discrepant values by an agreed-on method ... or some more basic shared value or values that support this system, such as mutual respect of persons, who naturally hold a diversity of opinions and desires, or a shared desire for minimizing violence.

Finally, to dot the “i”s, let us stipulate that the agreement is reached noncoercively and without deception, and also that the agreed-on method of resolution is the same (noncoercive and nondeceptive) by default, while allowing for the use of force (police powers) under agreed-on conditions (legislated crimes, unruly behavior of a deranged nature, insurrection, etc.).

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