22 May 20
@fmf saidI am somewhat resistant to this idea of distilling my moral code down to a few simple principles.
If we were to define the pillars of morality, and/or the elements of the Golden Rule, as succinctly as possible ~ by which I mean in terms other than the usual 'no harm, no deceit, no coercion' formulation ~ how many would there be? I propose empathy and reciprocity. Any others?
If this could be done, the book on philosophy would have closed long ago, would it not?
22 May 20
@bigdoggproblem saidEuclid only had 5 elements that he used to define mathematics. Nature only has three particles that define the different types of atoms. Etc.
I am somewhat resistant to this idea of distilling my moral code down to a few simple principles.
If this could be done, the book on philosophy would have closed long ago, would it not?
Maximize Utility is one attempt at such a principle.
@bigdoggproblem saidIt's more a case of identifying and recognizing the key elements without diluting them with a proliferation of suggestions.
I am somewhat resistant to this idea of distilling my moral code down to a few simple principles.
@fmf saidI’ve been thinking about your OP and unfortunately I’ve not gotten very far. But I will float this; morality could be described as an energy which flows both outward to others and inward towards ones own soul.
If we were to define the pillars of morality, and/or the elements of the Golden Rule, as succinctly as possible ~ by which I mean in terms other than the usual 'no harm, no deceit, no coercion' formulation ~ how many would there be? I propose empathy and reciprocity. Any others?
Meaning therefore that we should be kind to ourselves and well as others, and also not take any crap from douchebags.
22 May 20
@bigdoggproblem saidIf you wish to play a role in producing a thread that attempts to be equal to, and as prolific as, "the book on philosophy", then I will do my best to hang on to your coattails.
If this could be done, the book on philosophy would have closed long ago, would it not?
22 May 20
@fmf saidNo, no others.
If we were to define the pillars of morality, and/or the elements of the Golden Rule, as succinctly as possible ~ by which I mean in terms other than the usual 'no harm, no deceit, no coercion' formulation ~ how many would there be? I propose empathy and reciprocity. Any others?
तत्त्वमसि
Tát túvam asi
_()_
22 May 20
@divegeester saidI think it works.
I’ve been thinking about your OP and unfortunately I’ve not gotten very far. But I will float this; morality could be described as an energy which flows both outward to others and inward towards ones own soul.
Meaning therefore that we should be kind to ourselves and well as others, and also not take any crap from douchebags.
Sort of like “Love your neighbor as yourself...”
You have to love yourself in order to love your neighbor...
...and you have to love your neighbor in order to love yourself.
Reciprocity...like FMF said... oh yeah, and that Jesus guy.
22 May 20
@hakima saidYes reciprocity, but I wonder if FMF was thinking more of reciprocity from other people rather than a reciprocal loving ones self as well as one’s neighbour?
I think it works.
Sort of like “Love your neighbor as yourself...”
You have to love yourself in order to love your neighbor...
...and you have to love your neighbor in order to love yourself.
Reciprocity...like FMF said... oh yeah, and that Jesus guy.
@divegeester saidI think 'not suffering fools gladly', for example, can often be a virtue, or at least necessary [in order that goodness is not undermined].
Meaning therefore that we should be kind to ourselves and well as others, and also not take any crap from douchebags.
But what 'pillar' of morality would such a forthrightness be in service of?
22 May 20
@athousandyoung saidI understood the concept of reduction just fine.
Euclid only had 5 elements that he used to define mathematics. Nature only has three particles that define the different types of atoms. Etc.
Maximize Utility is one attempt at such a principle.
The examples you gave are hard sciences. Those are reducible to fundamental laws.
It is not clear whether human morality is a hard science, or not. Personally, I tend to think it is not.
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@fmf saidI propose the threat of retribution as the foundation on which the pillars of morality stand. Harm and coercion turn out to be involved after all. I would add self-preservation as one of the pillars.
If we were to define the pillars of morality, and/or the elements of the Golden Rule, as succinctly as possible ~ by which I mean in terms other than the usual 'no harm, no deceit, no coercion' formulation ~ how many would there be? I propose empathy and reciprocity. Any others?
It's an interesting question. I would fail at succinctness because I would include awareness, cognition, agency (having some degree of free will and intentionality), and judgment as pillars -- leading to action, inaction, or self-restraint.
23 May 20
@divegeester saidI am my own worst enemy.
Yes reciprocity, but I wonder if FMF was thinking more of reciprocity from other people rather than a reciprocal loving ones self as well as one’s neighbour?
I’m a good place for me to start.