THE ONTOLOGY AND EPISTEMOLOGY OF EXTREMISM
THE ONTOLOGY AND EPISTEMOLOGY OF EXTREMISM

Summary/Abstract: Extremism does not have objective or universally accepted definitions. At the same time, ‘extremism’ can be functionally objective on all levels – individual, group, society, nation and global – to the extent that social actors in their cultural environment construct their enemies as such. The process of extremism functions as follows. It begins with the identification of the enemy. Thereafter, psychological attitudes which essentially function similarly in all of us are constructed negatively towards this enemy. Lastly, confrontations with extremists justify extremism within us since extreme situations call for extreme measures. The effective use of this concept is Machiavellian in two significant respects. Firstly, in situations where effectiveness calls for extremism we should be capable of it. Secondly, although we may behave like our enemies there is nothing more useful than demonizing the enemy, and nothing is more necessary than maintaining a positive public image of a reasonable, good and moderate Self.

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