How Do You Define Morality?

[queequeger]

Ditto, morals are just arbitrary codes of conduct, I can't believe at all that there's some ultimate truth and consequences from ignoring it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Of course it's arbitrary. Your morals are the limits of behavior that you set for yourself. What you feel is right and wrong, what you feel you should and shouldn't do. Everyone determines their own morals.

[queequeger]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Of course it's arbitrary. Your morals are the limits of behavior that you set for yourself. What you feel is right and wrong, what you feel you should and shouldn't do. Everyone determines their own morals.

Well, that's what your morals are... There are millions of people out there who believe that there is a true moral code. That God sets out rules and we are to follow them. So, to them, it's not arbitrary, it's absolute.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by queequeger

Well, that's what your morals are... There are millions of people out there who believe that there is a true moral code. That God sets out rules and we are to follow them. So, to them, it's not arbitrary, it's absolute.

It's still up to you what your morals are. If you choose to copy someone else's morals that's your decision.

[queequeger]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

It's still up to you what your morals are. If you choose to copy someone else's morals that's your decision.

That's true in your book and mine, but it's something to keep in mind that for someone who DOES believe in a higher order, there is no choice. Or at least no real choice.

Originally Posted by Griff

Is it because DanaC's philosophy crosses the line from personal to active imposition of her beliefs on others?

But more importantly because he doesn't agree with her beliefs. Unless you are a staunch libertarian, you believe in enforcing your views on others to some extent. And even then if there is someone who believes that the proper society is one that's controlling, by having a completely laissez faire society that's enforcing your will upon him.

Just look at what Elspode said, everything we do changes the world around us, so staying apart from it isn't really an option.

[9th Engineer]

It's cost vs benefit, what you can do depends on your situation and that of the people around you. If you're among people who are easily manipulated, then you have lots of options. It's an especially useful tactic to hogtie others with their own platitudes when the situation suits you.