A Kind of Golden Rule?

Originally posted by twhitehead
The question then becomes whether or not to do what others want or what you think is good for them. There are usually downsides to both strategies.

Good point.

Originally posted by vistesd
Well put.

Though one can find a weakness, I suspect, in any generalized ethical rule. I am reminded of the old joke:

Masochist: "Beat me, torture me, hurt me!."

Sadist: "No."

Ha!

Don't do to others, what you don't want them doing to your own child.

Don't do unto others what you know is morally wrong. Do do unto others what is morally right.

If you don't know what is morally right or wrong then picking a random verse in the Bible to follow is probably one of the worst things you could possibly do.

Originally posted by twhitehead
Don't do unto others what you know is morally wrong. Do do unto others what is morally right.

If you don't know what is morally right or wrong then picking a random verse in the Bible to follow is probably one of the worst things you could possibly do.

Yes, but what is morally right? I think the notion is that "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." at least provides some guidance.

Originally posted by vistesd (OP)
Whether you treat others well or badly,
I only wish you upon yourself.

Y

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
Y

Because.

Originally posted by DeepThought
Yes, but what is morally right? I think the notion is that "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." at least provides some guidance.

Why do you think it provides guidance? Based on what reasoning do you think that doing unto others as you would have them do unto you is the morally correct thing to do?
If you need guidance, then you don't know what is morally right or wrong.
If you don't know what is morally right or wrong, then why pick out 'guidance' at random? And why that guidance in particular?
If you do know what is morally right and wrong, then you don't really need guidance.

In my experience guidance of that nature is only used as an excuse to do something morally wrong.

Besides, nobody actually follows that 'guidance' literally but rather makes their own judgement in each instance. For example, most of us would wish that other people give us lots of money. But do we go around giving other people lots of money?

Originally posted by twhitehead
Why do you think it provides guidance? Based on what reasoning do you think that doing unto others as you would have them do unto you is the morally correct thing to do?
If you need guidance, then you don't know what is morally right or wrong.
If you don't know what is morally right or wrong, then why pick out 'guidance' at random? And why that guidance ...[text shortened]... that other people give us lots of money. But do we go around giving other people lots of money?

But do we go around giving other people lots of money?
Want to see my paycheck deductions?