1. Raised at p. 58, but applies passim: is it appropriate to apply psychoanalytic terms, theories, practices, evaluations, and values to societies? That is, in particular, can societies be paranoid?
2. Regarding p. 66: Sagan contends that “evolving toward equality is, by definition, moral. Plato (and others) disagree. What makes him so sure of his “values,” and conception of “normality” and “morality.” Is there a possible confusion between his psychological account and his moral one (can one equate “non-psychotic” with “moral?”
3. Regarding p. 77: he contends that “eros binds society together.” While he may be right for the MTV generation (sorry for the character assassination), is he right generally?
4. Regarding p. 77: he contends that the positive transition from love of hierarchy to true citizenship “involves a transfer of love from the ruler to [love of] one’s country.” Why not say “a transfer of love from the ruler to [love of] the citizens?” Is loving the country what he wants? Is it what we want?
5. Regarding p. 309: he contends that our greatest anxiety is in regard to the dissolution of the self. Is it?
6. Regarding p. 313: he contends that honor is a bad moral guide because it is “external” to us—justice is better because it is internalized. Well, what makes "external" standards lesser than internal ones?
7. Regarding p. 319: sexuality and “perversion”—is he right here? Moreover, is the application of this point to societies and mental health, etc. correct?
8. Regarding p. 332: he says that "overcoming the paranoid position is "imminent in all men," and that "the end of education in a free society is the creation of an environment in which the democratic spirit may thrive." Are these claims right? What is his argument for them?