| Author |
Topic:
The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Master_Keralys
Title: Lit Mod of Quantum Indeterminacy
Registered:
Oct '03
|
Date Posted:
9/29 5:46pm
Subject:
The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
- Date Edited:
9/29 5:46pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Master_Keralys
|
The notion comes up again and again: the Jedi are too involved with the political realm, or they're so out of touch with it that they miss obvious things going on. They try to keep their distance and neutrality, and end up getting hammered by the government; or they try to be engaged and involved and run afoul of the dark side of politics.
And governments are flawed - often dangerously so. Had the Jedi been running the war during the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, things might have looked a lot different. On the other hand, the Mandalorian Wars would have been a catastrophe had they been in charge. The lure of power is a terrible one, with grave consequences for the Jedi. On the other hand, they have training in ascetism and self-denial that few professional politicians can boast, and thus are uniquely suited to the task of governing.
Do Jedi Theocracies (or the closer approximations we've had at times) make for good or bad governments - and why?
Part of The Political History of the Galaxy: A Lit Board Ongoing Project
-----signature-----
God made man. Man rejected God. God became the man Jesus Christ, died and rose again to life, saving man from himself.
The craziest story ever told.
The truest.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
The_Loyal_Imperial
Title: C&G and Lit Game Host
EUS Chancellor
Registered:
Nov '07
|
Date Posted:
9/29 5:53pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
- Date Edited:
9/29 5:54pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
The_Loyal_Imperial
|
|
Good on paper, bad in practice. As long as the Jedi have their powers and the common people lack them, there's going to be some degree of conflict between them. Some will always want them out of power, while others will just want to throw them at every new problem and expect them to solve it without difficulty. Keep them in power for long enough, and people see a theocratic dictatorship. Or, in some cases, they end up getting one. On the other hand, they can't really operate outside the government's influence, because that brings up just as many questions about letting them run free and causing incidents of rather extensive property damage.
-----signature-----
Star Wars Books & Comics > Literature
Read Squadron: next discussing Jedi vs. Sith
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Charlemagne19
Registered:
Jul '00
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:00pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
One of the main Jedi doctrines is that they are servants who use the power of the Force to help people, rather than rulers. I honestly believe this could have been one of the main reasons for the original schism between the Sith and the Jedi Knighthood. When the Jedi Knighthood take over the role of rulers, then the differences between them and the Sith are significantly smaller.
There's also the practical matter that the Jedi receive insight from the Force but not perfection. There's nothing that makes a Jedi Knight a better ruler than say, Bail Organa.
-----signature-----
Check out Halt Evil Doer!: The RPG setting for Super Heroes! Halt Evil Doer PDF: http://tinyurl.com/555axt
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
RK_Striker_JK_5
Registered:
Jul '03
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:20pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
|
I don't have a problem with individuals in government. If Jedi A feels it's the will of the Force for him/her/it to be an alderman, then more power to him/her/it. SWhen it's the entire Order running things... that's not so good.
-----signature-----
E-married to the wonderful DarthIshtar. Now also her Padawan. Member of the Y.J.K. Revolution Staring into the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/27537567/p1/?23
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Master_Keralys
Title: Lit Mod of Quantum Indeterminacy
Registered:
Oct '03
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:45pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
|
RK brings up an interesting point, one that we should look at: what extent of direct Jedi involvement in government - that is, in appointed or elected positions - is an acceptable thing? Should it never be allowed because of the high potential for abuse of power and abilities, or is it something that should be allowed but carefully watched, or should it be encouraged?
-----signature-----
God made man. Man rejected God. God became the man Jesus Christ, died and rose again to life, saving man from himself.
The craziest story ever told.
The truest.
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Darth_Foo
Registered:
Feb '03
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:48pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
|
as much as i think jedi shouldn't run the political show i will admit that when they did during the New Sith War (the one when bane was a member) they were justified and needed. the sith probably would've conquered the galaxy if all resources weren't put into the war effort.
-----signature-----
Frak the goram Vong! LoE trumps CW cartoon. it's referenced in Ep3  Current SW book: Darth Bane POD Current Non-SW: Witnessed by Budd Hopkins
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Charlemagne19
Registered:
Jul '00
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:48pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Master_Keralys posted:
RK brings up an interesting point, one that we should look at: what extent of direct Jedi involvement in government - that is, in appointed or elected positions - is an acceptable thing? Should it never be allowed because of the high potential for abuse of power and abilities, or is it something that should be allowed but carefully watched, or should it be encouraged?
I think the Jedi Knights would be needlessly hampered by the fundamental minutia that ruling requires. Likewise, they'd be frustrated by the compromises necessary for politics.
-----signature-----
Check out Halt Evil Doer!: The RPG setting for Super Heroes! Halt Evil Doer PDF: http://tinyurl.com/555axt
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Darth_Foo
Registered:
Feb '03
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:54pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Charlemagne19 posted:
Master_Keralys posted:RK brings up an interesting point, one that we should look at: what extent of direct Jedi involvement in government - that is, in appointed or elected positions - is an acceptable thing? Should it never be allowed because of the high potential for abuse of power and abilities, or is it something that should be allowed but carefully watched, or should it be encouraged?
I think the Jedi Knights would be needlessly hampered by the fundamental minutia that ruling requires. Likewise, they'd be frustrated by the compromises necessary for politics.
leia didn't seem to mind. does she count as a jedi during her years as CoS?
-----signature-----
Frak the goram Vong! LoE trumps CW cartoon. it's referenced in Ep3 Current SW book: Darth Bane POD Current Non-SW: Witnessed by Budd Hopkins
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
RK_Striker_JK_5
Registered:
Jul '03
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:55pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Master_Keralys posted:
RK brings up an interesting point, one that we should look at: what extent of direct Jedi involvement in government - that is, in appointed or elected positions - is an acceptable thing? Should it never be allowed because of the high potential for abuse of power and abilities, or is it something that should be allowed but carefully watched, or should it be encouraged?
Someone charismatic enough can be said to have an unfair advantage. Or what about telepaths? That reptilian colonel from the Lando portion of the BFC came from a species with telepathy. Should they be disallowed from government? 
As long as the Jedi doesn't do the hand-wave and go, "You will pass Order 67!" I think it's cool.
-----signature-----
E-married to the wonderful DarthIshtar. Now also her Padawan. Member of the Y.J.K. Revolution Staring into the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/27537567/p1/?23
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Charlemagne19
Registered:
Jul '00
|
Date Posted:
9/29 6:57pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Darth_Foo posted:
leia didn't seem to mind. does she count as a jedi during her years as CoS?
Darth Revan is if Julius Caesar was a Jedi.
Leia is if Winston Churchill was cute and looked good in a slave bikini.
Their status as Jedi doesn't affect their skills.
Or the rarity of them.
-----signature-----
Check out Halt Evil Doer!: The RPG setting for Super Heroes! Halt Evil Doer PDF: http://tinyurl.com/555axt
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
MercenaryAce
Registered:
Aug '05
|
Date Posted:
9/29 7:27pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
|
Considering that Jedi fall to the dark side if they so much as enjoy their breakfast, I have to say very bad idea.
-----signature-----
"I am no man...I am a space station!" Another star wars ships, droids and troops site: http://armiesofstarwars.com/ It does have info found nowhere Move all sig, for great justice
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Charlemagne19
Registered:
Jul '00
|
Date Posted:
9/29 7:30pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
MercenaryAce posted:
Considering that Jedi fall to the dark side if they so much as enjoy their breakfast, I have to say very bad idea.
I've got to say this is the case.
Jedi aren't immune to temptation and the possibility of treating Muggles like Voldemort might be too great a temptation.
-----signature-----
Check out Halt Evil Doer!: The RPG setting for Super Heroes! Halt Evil Doer PDF: http://tinyurl.com/555axt
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
LordHibbidyhai
Registered:
Apr '07
|
Date Posted:
9/29 11:15pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Should Jedi have any role? Maybe an elite jurisdiction type role.
Jedi secret agents out gathering intelligence and fighting corruption and the common evils (piracy, slave trade, smuggling, etc.) Jedi judges hearing trials and using the force to make the right calls. Cabinet advisor role might be good too. But I don't know if putting Jedi in charge would be a good idea. There is just too much temptation to abuse power.
-----signature-----
"How do you like me, schutta?" Cade Skywalker
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Robimus
Registered:
Jul '07
|
Date Posted:
9/29 11:26pm
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
I'm all for Jedi Theocracy. The galaxy wouldn't have half the problems it has if the Jedi were simply in charge. Of course that would shoot down the democratic ideals and all, but I'm all for benevolent dictatorships  , but only if the Jedi are the dictators. 
-----signature-----
I am forever seeking the damutek of Hooley Krekk
Oh, woe! Oh, misery! Oh, unhappiness. Hooley Krekk where are you?
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Charlemagne19
Registered:
Jul '00
|
Date Posted:
9/30 12:02am
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
|
Robimus posted:
I'm all for Jedi Theocracy. The galaxy wouldn't have half the problems it has if the Jedi were simply in charge. Of course that would shoot down the democratic ideals and all, but I'm all for benevolent dictatorships , but only if the Jedi are the dictators.
I always liked the idea that the Jedi believe that Democracy is the best institution because otherwise, people won't have any responsibility for themselves.
They consider "Care States" to be unhealthy.
-----signature-----
Check out Halt Evil Doer!: The RPG setting for Super Heroes! Halt Evil Doer PDF: http://tinyurl.com/555axt
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Katana_Geldar
Title: Former CR Tasmania, AU
Registered:
Mar '03
|
Date Posted:
9/30 2:12am
Subject:
RE: The Political History of the Galaxy: Jedi Theocracy: Good Idea/Bad Idea?
- Date Edited:
9/30 2:12am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Katana_Geldar
|
The problem with putting people in positions of power who can't handle it is that a lot of bad things tend to happen, either because they let it go to their heads or because they are so weak they tend to be ruled by others. The second example is much more relevant to Jedi and I seem to recall what Mace Windu said in Shatterpoint of how the Force amplifies all emotions and leaves open temptation to the dark side. The same can be said for power.
I don't agree with putting Jedi in positions of power for the simple reason is because they have access to the Force, they tend to forget the ordinary Jon and Jane Antilles of the galaxy and tend not to listen to them. If you want a bad example of Jedi misusing power, you need look no further than Jorus C'Baoth. Look how he talks down to Palpatine.
The Jedi seemed to have learned quite a few lessons since Ruusan, such as the consequences of Jedi having power. Politics actually goes against a lot of Jedi ways as politicians are by nature short-sighted where Jedi, due to their access to the Force, usually take a longer view. Therefore it makes sense that the Jedi took a back seat and concentrated on larger things while the mechanics of government took care of the mundane. Yoda and Mace BOTh said they served the office of Supreme Chancelor, and it mattered little who it was.
One problem with this though as being away from poltical events and what was going on things tended to creep up on them in surprise, like Palpatine.
IMHO, Palpatine was probably the only one in the entire Star Wars saga who truly understood the nature of power, how to use it and how it corrupts. He was a sort of theocracy, in a way.
All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority.
-----signature-----
Jacen and the two Vergeres http://swfanon.wikia.com/wiki/User:Katana_Geldar/Jacen_Solo%2C_Vergere_and_the_Force "They press some bum button and out comes the beams." - Excellence Aliena nobis, nostra plus aliis placent. SWC Senator for Alderaan
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
