On Morality

[cowhead]

my whole take on 'why people do bad things' has more to do with the biological hardwiring versus the sociological mold into which we are 'forced'...

case in point (and where i have done some of my worst work) is along the sexual lines, you are hardwired to reproduce.. the desire is at the core of the being (like food... like shelter.. it's there) however in society at large (atleast around here) sex is considered 'unclean' or 'unholy' etc etc. (which in my opinion there is little that is further from the 'truth'..)

I don't think it has to do with the definition of 'evil' persay.. but why do you do something that you KNOW is wrong?

so I'm coping out with the biology agruement )

[Catwoman]

Originally Posted by cowhead

my whole take on 'why people do bad things' has more to do with the biological hardwiring versus the sociological mold into which we are 'forced'...

Thank you!

[xoxoxoBruce]

Cowhead, if I was on the jury, with that defense, your client would burn.
Oh BTW, sex is only dirty/unholy, if you're doing it right.

Originally Posted by cowhead

my whole take on 'why people do bad things' has more to do with the biological hardwiring versus the sociological mold into which we are 'forced'...

case in point (and where i have done some of my worst work) is along the sexual lines, you are hardwired to reproduce.. the desire is at the core of the being (like food... like shelter.. it's there) however in society at large (atleast around here) sex is considered 'unclean' or 'unholy' etc etc. (which in my opinion there is little that is further from the 'truth'..)

I don't think it has to do with the definition of 'evil' persay.. but why do you do something that you KNOW is wrong?

so I'm coping out with the biology agruement )

In my opinion, sex between two consulting adults who have been honest with one another - like no lies about "love" if that emotion is not felt, no lies about an unsuspecting S.O. hidden away somewhere, etc. - has absolutely nothing wrong with it. Its only when the act of sex somehow brings harm to oneself or the other partner or a third, unsuspecting party like a betrayed spouse or an unwanted child - THEN it becomes wrong.

[Cyber Wolf]

I see at least two levels that right/wrong can stand on.

First, there's societal perception of right/wrong. A society functions because if guidelines and rules that it imposes on itself. Bear in mind, these can be ANY rule or guideline. Second, there's the individual perception of right/wrong. A personal morality functions because if the guidelines and rules one imposes on oneself. Again, these can be ANY rule or guideline.

This being the case, the whole what is good/what is bad issue becomes largely subjective. And in THAT case, the reason why good people do bad things is because that's how its perceived by someone looking on, based on his/her morals which are influenced by (not necessarily molded after) the person's society's morals.

Let's say Mr. Generic here is a 'good' person; he's a fine philanthropist, attends church regulary and often, loves his mother, dotes on his wife and kids, is a favorite among his coworkers, etc... What if Mr. Generic does 63 in 55 mph highway zone? Is this a bad thing? Yes, because it's clearly stated the legal speed limit is 55 and he's going faster than that, a lawbreaker. Breaking the law is 'bad'. No, because the traffic is moving at 60-65 and he isn't posing a hazard by blocking a lane on the highway. Helping to reduce congestion on the highway is 'good' (can I get an AMEN, No. VA residents!). It's all how you (or the person next to you) look at it.