The Abolition of Man appendix:
1. The Law of General Beneficence
(a) negative
'I have not slain men.' (Ancient Egyptian. From the Confession of the Righteous Soul, 'Book of the Dead'. v. Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics [=ERE], vol. v, p.478)
'Do not murder.' (Ancient Jewish...
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Life has become increasingly busier for me (Job, Masters, personal projects) and thus, I must redraw from these boards for quite a while (I can hear the collective hurrah)...
Culture is a broad thing. Different cultures can have commonalities. You are equating things way too high level. It's like saying all linear equations are the same... they are in certain aspects, but the details are completely different (and the composite of these details can lead to many...
hehe. Miscommunication, galore.
Yes, I wasn't disagreeing with that. I was disagreeing with the statement that morality was not rational, which you said was simply an observation. I agree that some cultures have differences in what they perceive to be moral.
Good call on the choice of...
Which anthropological research? There is a lot of it.
I can't explain it with any tools you would find valid (though, I don't know what is necessary valid for the metaphysical). First I became a Christian after a certain amount of rational precepts, then I began to believe in the only...
I don't think the metaphysical leaves reality. Maybe certain set of physical reality, not existence as a whole. Reality is the set of everything (arguing semantics).
As you can see my religion is Christian, so naturally the judeo-christian God. I could go in to why I became an agnostic while...
Right, I can prove that as much as the next guy, which is why I stated it was my "opinion." As in a claim based on correlative evidence (not necessarily causal. I can't prove that).
Hmm. I don't know if I believe that. We've had some posts back and forth, some of which your sarcasm would indicate a personal vestment in the discussion, the belies this seemingly unattached sentiment you are expressing. However, who knows you best, besides yourself? Can't argue with that...
One of the basic foundations. The "self evident" things to those who explore deeply (not exactly self evident to those who swallow their cultural beliefs). If you want to get very metaphysical, God's nature. Any thing "evil' is counter to God's nature.
An observation that is surrounded by assumptions, which makes it a stance. You can not definitively say morality is not rational. There may be some observations that correlate to this, but lack of rationality is not necessarily the causality. Therefore that is a claim, not an observation...
Also, I said "generally" when referencing muslims with female circumcision, as the majority of religious discussions I have had, tend in that direction.
I realize other countries have practiced it. It was constantly brought up by a Persian professor I had back in college. Believe me, I know...
Disparage? I didn't belittle, I just think it is incorrect. If that were belittling, than every thing you say is wrong, is belittling as well. I was giving my reasons, nothing more. I don't think they are "stupid" or "lesser" if they can not get out side of their system. I think it actually...
Undeniably. I'm not whining, I'm pointing out an obvious flaw in the very foundation of their reasoning. Is that not the purpose of these boards? To get to the "truth" if there is one? You seem to be getting a little emotional about this... what's exactly wrong with this opinion/argument?
Answering your question from my standpoint is simple. If there is a definitive right and wrong, then even if some one is taught some thing is good even when it isn't, for instance slavery, they may follow it because of their instilled "values." However, people are capable of seeing the truth...
Yes, but if he really believes in what he is professing, then there is no intrinsic worth in it and thus, no reason to argue it. It's a lovely catch 22.
Alright, let me ask you this. Why do you feel it necessary to tell us about relativism? Do you think it a good thing for us to know the truth?
It seems, to me any ways, the very fact that you are trying to convey any thing is counter to your philosophy, because it means you see "benefit" or...
I find it interesting that you and georgecarlin are both on this forum arguing your perspective as if it had some sort of worth to it. I mean, according to your own philosophy, what's the point? You aren't doing any "good" with it, so what is your motivation? Do you feel like you are giving...