There is an expression in Latin- “non sequitur”- that, as you can guess, comes from old logic textbooks. It literally means “does not follow.” Proposition A is derived from Proposition B, which, however, cannot be deduced from A. For example, I say that I do not enjoy the ongoing fires in Turkey. A conclusion is made from that: “So you say we should mourn those fires and offer our condolences to our neighbors.” But I did not make that statement B. I did not say such a thing and I do not think so. Another example: I say that Pashinyan’s government failed to ensure the security of Armenians. Conclusion: “So you dream of Kocharyan’s return.” Again, “non sequitur,” wrong conclusion. One does not come from the other.
I put aside the case when the wrong conclusion is made intentionally, for propaganda purposes. That is, when people understand their mistake very well, but it is in their or their team’s interest to make that wrong conclusion. Preachers have always existed and they always will. It is much more interesting when people really agree, and all kinds of demagogues take advantage of this shortcoming of thinking. People have a natural tendency to argue in “black and white,” which makes life somewhat easier, and frees them from mental strain. I should also say that this thinking is correct in some cases. For example, X is not in this room, so they are somewhere outside this room if we accept that a person cannot be in several places at the same time. But when it comes to more complex social phenomena, in particular, value-based, ethical choices, “black and white” no longer works.
You can not say for sure whether Christianity or Islam is “right,” or the Social Democrats or the Liberals, or the government or the opposition. Or, to put it more narrowly, should all foreigners in Armenia be vaccinated against coronavirus or should they be restricted? Different people have different values, beliefs, and views, and they must come up with arguments to support their position. If they say “mine is right and the rest is black,” they are refusing to make a mental effort. If we continue our example, they refuse to acceptc or simply do not know that there are thousands of manifestations, types, and shades of Christianity and Islam, socialism and liberalism. Dozens of arguments can be made in favor of and against vaccinating foreigners.
Unfortunately, enthusiastic supporters of the “black and white” argument have gathered in this National Assembly. The parties that see the complexity of life, public life, and its many nuances- Bright Armenia, Republic, and the ANC- appeared outside the parliament. But it is not a coincidence. The situation reflects the mood of today’s voters.
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Aram Abrahamyan
