I have been realizing a little more how deeply linked most progressive ideas are to a belief in inifinite human malleability. (Once this was called the "Perfectibility of Mankind"). I don't believe in such malleability -- people will keep redicovering violence, war, guile, sexual differences, on whatever field you leave them to play upon. But I do believe in progressivism. (I also believe in realizing when you've got a good thing going, and not trashing it. Are those completely opposed ideals?)

Here's Dan Dennett sifting the same set of problems, trying again to get the Left's head out of its social constructionist ass.

http://chronicle.com/free/v49/i21/21b00701.htm