Do Moderates have a Philosophical Base

 Ahmad Reza Taheri  

Radical      Liberal    Moderate     Conservative     Reactionary

Left………………………………………………………………………Right

Now, we have reached the third concept on the political spectrum. But, let us not forget that unlike the other positions on the political spectrum illustrated above, there is no philosophical foundation for the Moderates rather moderation is a matter more of intensity of preference than of philosophical conviction. In politics and religion, a moderate is an individual who is not extreme. Leon P Baradat says "One must be moderately something, either moderately liberal or moderately conservative."

Moderates find little wrong with the existing society. They are fundamentally satisfied with the society, although they agree that there is room for improvement and recognize several specific areas in need of modification. However, they insist that changes in the system should be made gradually and that no change should be so extreme as to disrupt the society.

This note is based on the writings of Professor Leon P Baradat, in his book Political Ideologies: their origins and impact, 9^th edition, Indian reprint, published by Asoke K. Gosh, p.21.