Carrumbaism and Individual Liberty
...most people want those around them to be happy and successful, whether that is family, friends, your neighbourhood, city or their country of residence- living where everyone is on edge and armed to the teeth behind barricades rarely leads to a happy existence.
Recommended listening: 'Holm (Variations & B-sides)' - Erland Cooper (Spotify)
Exploring the first tenet of Carrumbaism creates some interesting contradictions to deal with as Gemini, in common with all Ai models, draws on human experience from the start of and before before the Information Age. With the Covid pandemic and social media creating a generation of socially distanced humans, and embedding other generations in the world of remote connectivity, it is apparent that Carrumbaism needs to be a digital first philosophical framework, focusing on society from 30th November 2022 onwards. Let's have an unreasonable debate...
A perfect representation of the inherent contradiction of individuality in humans as a herd species within a society.
Google Bard answer: https://g.co/gemini/share/c50263b54ac2
The answer throws up the first consideration for the development of Carrumbaism, as Google Gemini has understandably couched its response in terms of human experience as a communal, herd species. We should read responses with community or society referenced in terms of online associations for the creation of Carrumbaism:
"Carrumbaism [...] emphasizes communal living and societal well-being over individual desires. This creates a potential tension with the concept of individual liberty, which prioritizes personal freedoms."
This is a problem as old as time - most people want those around them to be happy and successful, whether that is family, friends, your neighbourhood, city or their country of residence- living where everyone is on edge and armed to the teeth behind barricades rarely leads to a happy existence. I would argue that those concerned solely with their own welfare without some consideration for others are in the minority. The Stoics grappled with the contradiction inherent in the human instinct for self-preservation while forming societies as follows:
"At its core, however, social responsibility involves recognizing that our actions have an impact beyond ourselves and taking steps to ensure that impact is positive."
Mill approached individuality by affirming his commitment to Utilitarianism but very much influenced by the strict enforcement of tradition within Victorian society, leading him to embrace aspects of German Romanticism as an escape route. For Mill, individuality, the freedom and desire to express one's unique qualities, was a principle ingredient of happiness ('Mill - A Guide for the Perplexed', Sujith Kumar, Bloomsbury 2013, P.94). All those in the Consequentialist camp (Bentham, Mill et al.) assert a position of 'for the greater good' that can be argued to contradict personal happiness and common sense - those who attack this position tend to use extreme examples (such as locking your grandmother in the basement and making her sign her pension over to the development of a clean water supply in Africa) - I think Carrumbaism should go out on a limb here and state such extreme examples are not reflective of Carrumbaism as a philosophical framework and can, quite frankly, get in the bin. A philosophical framework is a guide, and not a set of rules on how to live. If you know someone is locking an elderly relative in the basement, call the police; they have gone far beyond reasonable arguments and need help! Common sense should apply for all philosophy and constant 'but what if?' arguments are akin to poking a stick in the spokes of the bike of your friend as they are trying to ride past you because you are bored or jealous of their bike.
"...it's important to note that Carrumbaism is a broad concept. There could be interpretations that allow for more individual liberty"
Keeping in mind that we need to transform references to Society and Community to its online equivalent, would the followers of Carrumbaism see themselves as a part of traditional 'bricks and mortar' society or of a more liminal, worldwide society connected via the internet and whatever supersedes it?
Instead of thinking in terms of physical communes, I would assert that Carrumbaism is framework for living in the digital age, with physical connectivity less important than our online behaviour and actions. A central forum of discussion, learning and sharing would be a hub for those Carrumbaists to come together. As a stateless, digital-first approach to living, Carrumbaism would inevitably rub up against the boundaries and rules implemented by traditional states. For example, should someone wish to follow Carrumbaism in a country where homosexuality is illegal, they would find themselves in danger of prosecution; the choice of whom to love and be intimate with is a matter of personal happiness and accomplishment with no impact on wider society*. In this way, Carrumbaism would face the same challenges as a physical commune but through the denial of access and use of a follower's digital footprint against them.
It's important to note that Carrumbaism's digital first approach does not preclude physical congregation of those employing the framework, but places it secondary to preferred digital collaboration in the creation and exchange of ideas, captured in the central forum. The natural progression of this approach is for Carrumbaists to act increasingly 'online' rather than 'offline'.
*There are states where homosexuality is illegal and would claim it is damaging to society, usually on religious grounds (such as Qatar that forbids it under Sharia Law). Carrumbaism sees religion as similar to belief in Santa Claus - a quaint bit of make-believe that should not be forced on anyone. Though I am not sure Christianity or Islam were designed to sell Coca-Cola.
The Central Forum
"Whoah! Hold on Carrumba - what happened to individuality if you are prescribing digital first society over physical contact?" I hear you cry. As stated, this is a philosophical framework for the communication age and is looking towards a possible future we are seeing signs of already. It's not for everyone and physical contact is not forbidden, so calm doon! I am sat typing this in my favourite coffee, surrounded by people - nothing is black and white. It is possible to hold two conflicting thoughts in your mind at once and balance them - life is not always an either/or. While it is preferable for those wishing to adopt and contribute to the development of Carrmbaism to interact digitally and expand the well of knowledge that instructs its development through digital communities, remember that individual happiness benefits the whole and the digital experience has not replaced physical interaction, yet.
'The Central Forum' sounds a bit 'sci-fi' with a whiff of Scientology but fear not, it will be nothing more than a Discord server to be a member of and collect experiences, thoughts and to offer or ask for assistance. 'Freedom Within Community' and 'Individuality in Service of the Collective' would be satisfied with the maintenance of this space as a hub for Carrumbaists to gather and develop the framework, as well as supporting each other while showcasing and developing their own skills. It would also provide a means to propose and argue for and against propositions to be included in Carrumbaism to overcome actual or perceived dichotomies and contradictions.
In Conclusion
(I use 'in conclusion' advisedly - this is just a starting point!)
'Individual Liberty' is predicated on a digital-first society where the followers of Carrumbaism are free to follow their interests while sharing their knowledge and experience through the Central Forum for the benefit and betterment of others. Carrumbaists would be willing to share their skills and services with others in the community. By empowering others, Carrumbaists are helping others in their pursuit of happiness and making the world a better place. All those in the Central Forum should be mindful that skills and knowledge shared is not designed to harm others in their intent, independent of whatever traditional state laws decree. Consultation with Ai on how these skills are interpreted within the context of Carrumbaism should be used and discussed, with members being the final arbiters of acceptance.
Not bad as a starting point - next up for discussion is Reason and Logic - these posts are all starting points in the journey, reach out to me on Discord to join the beginnings of the Central Forum or post your thoughts below. The kick-off post for Carrumbaism can be read here.
Cheers Ghosties and potential Carrumbaists 👻
