Originally posted by lucifershammerI mean, why agree with the alleged pronouncements of a deity on morality? What makes them automatically valid? Why not use Peter Singer's pronoucements instead as a non-arbitrary reference point, and then judge all other moralities as arbitrary in light of it? dj2becker is not factoring in his own subjectivity in electing to subscribe Christian morality as a matter of faith.
What do you mean by "arbitrary"?
Originally posted by PawnokeyholeWhy adhere to the laws made by Congress? Why respect the executive authority of the President? Or the authority of the Supreme Court? What makes them automatically valid?
I mean, why agree with the alleged pronouncements of a deity on morality? What makes them automatically valid? Why not use Peter Singer's pronoucements instead as a non-arbitrary reference point, and then judge all other moralities as arbitrary in light of it? dj2becker is not factoring in his own subjectivity in electing to subscribe Christian morality as a matter of faith.
Originally posted by lucifershammerThe entities you mention are at least concrete. You can verify the existence of a Congressman, or the President, whatever his or her state of mind. Then if you disagree with a law you can protest, lobby, possibly effect change. The same cannot be said for YKW.
Why adhere to the laws made by Congress? Why respect the executive authority of the President? Or the authority of the Supreme Court? What makes them automatically valid?
Originally posted by lucifershammerNothing makes them automatically valid. They are simply conditions for living free within the US. Whether or not they are 'valid' is not at issue.
Why adhere to the laws made by Congress? Why respect the executive authority of the President? Or the authority of the Supreme Court? What makes them automatically valid?
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Originally posted by Bosse de NageYou haven't answered my questions.
The entities you mention are at least concrete. You can verify the existence of a Congressman, or the President, whatever his or her state of mind. Then if you disagree with a law you can protest, lobby, possibly effect change. The same cannot be said for YKW.
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Originally posted by TheSkipperIf nothing makes them "automatically" valid, then are they valid at all? If so why?
Nothing makes them automatically valid. They are simply conditions for living free within the US. Whether or not they are 'valid' is not at issue.
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You say the validity of these authorities is not at issue. I'm not sure Pkh would see things your way.
In any case, if one were to assume your framework, one could just as easily say that divinely commanded/mandated/originated morality is simply the condition for living free within the universe (or anywhere, for that matter).
Originally posted by Bosse de NageDo you believe that the laws of Congress are binding on residents of the US and its territories? Do you believe that people who violate these laws should be punished? Why or why not?
Why adhere to the law? Out of agreement; out of fear; out of habit...Only force compels one to obey. Many don't.