The Cellar - View Single Post - How Much is That Integrity in the Window?

BigV · 12-13-2013, 02:56 PM

My integrity isn't one solid indivisible unit.

Now, I realize that sounds pretty shitty. But, there are shades of gray in the world. Does everything only decay, moving ever downward from some Eden-like state of perfection? When I fail in any way, am I forever unredeemable? I don't think so, and I doubt any here would think so.

glatt's suggestion that the perceived loss of the "victim" would definitely play a part. Also, footfootfoot's points about opportunity and fear of and scale of punishment are definitely at play here. your comparison of the taking of a quarter's piece of candy to the theft of $10,000 introduces the idea of a range of transgressions. I would suggest that in the first place, I haven't sold (all) my integrity for a quarter, but that I'd only sold a quarter's worth.

Comparisons can be important. Context is important. I'm sure you've heard of the example of a moral paradox that puts you in the position to make a decision to steal or not steal some medicine to save the life/health of someone dear to you. Stealing is bad, m'kay? But don't we struggle to say that with the same conviction when the life of your (hypothetical) child is in the balance? The circumstances matter.

12-13-2013, 02:56 PM	#6
BigV Goon Squad Leader Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 27,063	My integrity isn't one solid indivisible unit. Now, I realize that sounds pretty shitty. But, there are shades of gray in the world. Does everything only decay, moving ever downward from some Eden-like state of perfection? When I fail in any way, am I forever unredeemable? I don't think so, and I doubt any here would think so. glatt's suggestion that the perceived loss of the "victim" would definitely play a part. Also, footfootfoot's points about opportunity and fear of and scale of punishment are definitely at play here. your comparison of the taking of a quarter's piece of candy to the theft of $10,000 introduces the idea of a range of transgressions. I would suggest that in the first place, I haven't sold (all) my integrity for a quarter, but that I'd only sold a quarter's worth. Comparisons can be important. Context is important. I'm sure you've heard of the example of a moral paradox that puts you in the position to make a decision to steal or not steal some medicine to save the life/health of someone dear to you. Stealing is bad, m'kay? But don't we struggle to say that with the same conviction when the life of your (hypothetical) child is in the balance? The circumstances matter. __________________ Be Just and Fear Not.