Talk:Left-right political spectrum

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Widely accepted definition

In the comment for revision #13007 of Left-right political spectrum, User:Dr. Edmonds claims "Added a reference to the most widely accepted definition of the distinction of left and right". The book referenced is A Conflict of Visions by Thomas Sowell (

). It would appear to me (based on a cursory skimming of Wikipedia) that George Lakoff's Moral Politics provides a more prominent treatment of the subject (at least in the United States). A Conflict of Visions doesn't seem to merit inclusion in the Wikipedia article about the "Left-right political spectrum". User:Dr. Edmonds, can you back up your bold assertion that Sowell provides the most widely accepted definition? -- RobLa (talk) 04:47, 9 October 2020 (UTC)

I am a little confused about your complaint. You do not seem to disagree with the inclusion of the link but only the summary of the update? I do not think it is much of an overstatement if at all. I have seen Pinker refer to it as such and while that is not proof it sure adds evidence. George Lakoff's Moral Politics does have some distinct concepts but it was much later and all the texts I have heard on the matter discuss both. Lakoff gets into the morals more while Sowell is more broad. Lakoff's work is extended by Haidt in "The Righteous Mind" where he links it back to Sowell. I had considered adding all three as references. Maybe I should have phrased the summary better. I will update it if possible. For a full understanding of this topic all three books should be read. --Dr. Edmonds (talk) 05:06, 9 October 2020 (UTC)