130 likes | 258 Views
How do we get out of this place?. April 25, 2005. How do we get out of this place?. Cultural Relativism Nihilism, Anarchy Absolutism Fascism, Fundamentalism, Racism. Freedom from Harm. On what ground do we justify? Morality is something held by all rational people. What is morality?
E N D
How do we get out of this place? April 25, 2005
How do we get out of this place? • Cultural Relativism • Nihilism, Anarchy • Absolutism • Fascism, Fundamentalism, Racism
Freedom from Harm • On what ground do we justify? • Morality is something held by all rational people. • What is morality? • What is rational?
What is Rational? • Based on Descartes • Vodou: logical, but not rational • Irrational does not mean arbitrary
What is Morality? • Quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct. • A system of ideas of right and wrong conduct. • Virtuous conduct. • A rule or lesson in moral conduct.
What is Morality? • Right and Wrong based on logic • What do I owe to myself? and, What do I owe to others?
What is Morality? • Problem: What is the proper recipient of rights? • Liberalism: Individual • Communitarianism: Family or other social unit
Choice • Choose to wear the veil • Choose genital mutilation? • Does this resolve the conflict between the individual and the family?
Death Penalty • Application: arbitrary and capricious • Standards of decency change over time: • Lynching • Electric Chair • Lethal Injection
Boat People • Cubans: granted refugee status • Haitians: deported • Political dissidents: refugees • No refugee status for economic status
Individuality • How do you express your individuality? • What do you associate with conformity?
How do we get out of this place? • Cultural Relativism: Nihilism, Anarchy Society Culture Individuals • Absolutism: Facism, Fundamentalism, Racism