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Originally Posted by Praxus
That is what I am defining morals as! So yes, they are a requirement for the preservation of a human life. You are applying some contorted conventional view of morality to what I am saying. I do not believe in altruism or violent whim worship.
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Well then, why don't we just scrap the term morals altogether and say "beneficial actions" or something like that? The word 'Morals' has too many religious, altruistic, and rigid connotations. If you want to follow a utilitarian route, it is better to leave off the morality. Even if I know what you mean, others may not, especially if they don't read all the posts.
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Originally Posted by Praxus
I never said that we need other moral men to be moral. I said that to be with other moral men is moral (it is a moral thing to do). I am not saying that it will make you more moral (which it may very well do).
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Again, scrap the 'morality' and recast the argument in clear utilitarian terms such as 'beneficial' and 'detrimental'. Even economic terms would work better. For example, if you want to proceed with the argument the moral people are a beneficial crowd to be around, say "Association with moral people is a net profit." Or "Dissociation from moral people is a net loss (no buy on this one!)."
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Originally Posted by Praxus
I'll be more in favor of an argument that says that morals are often beneficial or useful, thats fine. But I won't accept many of the absolute moral statements that you are making.
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Now you're just using my own words against me.
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Originally Posted by Praxus
They are productive and benevalent, ergo they will enhance and extend your life.
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Alright, so that's a
useful act. Why do we have to use the word 'moral' as a synonym for 'useful.' We both know that morals have often been in opposition to utility.
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Originally Posted by Praxus
You believe we lack free will, you yourself recognize the contradiction, and your wondering what I'm talking about.
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I did know what you were referring to, I just wanted to draw it into the open. Well, if you insist on the contradicition, couldn't I just as easily maintain that none of your statements are valid as well? Remember, if we have no free will, you're in the same boat I am. Ha.
Also, I'm going to solve the contradiction one of these days...