Message-ID: <32EA6308.B67@dial.pipex.com> Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997 11:46:16 -0800 From: Peter Kerby <mailto:xbe63@DIAL.PIPEX.COM> Subject: Re: DEVEL-THEORY To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Cliff Missen wrote: >
> For the sake of preserving DEVEL-L for its original purpose, would it be
> possible for VITA to create a sister list (DEVEL-THEORY for example)...
This idea is good.
Socialist-capitalist and orthodox-structuralist ideologies are tools which can help organize our thoughts. But no ideology can represent the complexity of the real world. Of real problems.
The weakness of this list is that 'real' issues presented are seen as little more than tools to serve the particular ideology of the contributer. The evidence? No matter what the subject - I know just what x, y, or z will be writing.
There is a place for development ideology. But as someone practically involved in development I want to read and contribute to discussions with the 'real' problems as the focus. That means exchanging information and exploring pragmatic responses to a problem. Which may draw upon one, many or no development theories.
I do wonder why so few subscribers to devel-l actually contribute. I, for one, do not wish to see any experience, idea or problem of mine used as yet more ammunition in the left-right battle.
A division of the list into theory-focused and problem-focused discussions might lead to more participation and less time deleting the same old messages from x, y and z.
Yours. Peter Kerby