How is social order maintained?

[Witty]

I see your point and agree, but what about our values? How we treat each other? Is it all dictated or do we reach a societal understanding based on what benefits society as a whole? If we were not given laws, would we behave in a civilised manner as it would be best for everyone?

Obv there are criminals and whatnot who already don't do this, but I mean the wider population of civilised countries.

[oats]

Originally Posted by Witty

I see your point and agree, but what about our values? How we treat each other? Is it all dictated or do we reach a societal understanding based on what benefits society as a whole? If we were not given laws, would we behave in a civilised manner as it would be best for everyone?

Obv there are criminals and whatnot who already don't do this, but I mean the wider population of civilised countries.

Hernando de Soto wrote an excellent book kind of about this (The Mystery of Capital, I believe it's called). In it, he makes a pretty compelling case that one of the most important aspects of social order/development is an enforced legal infrastructure. There's a reason "law" and "order" tend to go hand in hand.

Values are cultural though, and as such they're malleable.

My recent hobby-learning has been neuro-economics, I think you'd enjoy getting into it.

[uh-oh]

Originally Posted by quaker oats

Hernando de Soto wrote an excellent book kind of about this (The Mystery of Capital, I believe it's called). In it, he makes a pretty compelling case that one of the most important aspects of social order/development is an enforced legal infrastructure. There's a reason "law" and "order" tend to go hand in hand.

Values are cultural though, and as such they're malleable.

My recent hobby-learning has been neuro-economics, I think you'd enjoy getting into it.

how do you enforce laws?

Check

[Objective]

Originally Posted by quaker oats

My recent hobby-learning has been neuro-economics, I think you'd enjoy getting into it.

Elab? Read a little bit on wikipedia, seems very interesting. Any specific books/online articles you recommend?

Also, on topic: going to read this thread and see if there's anything more to add. But my general stance as of now without reading anything is that the concept of morals is flawed and is hugely based on principles the majority stands behind that has little to no ground in reality and is solely based on survival and comfort, ego and tribe mentality. It can't boil down to intellect as some of the most intelligent people are serial killers and messed up narcissists with values that are fucked up and surpass most peoples understanding of right/wrong, certain rules are taught and followed but not understood etc. Seems like uhoh and destro is already covering it. Looking forward to read the thread in its entirety. Good thread.