Quote:
Originally Posted by razoredge
But here is what I have come to ponder (not really, conclude is more like it). I believe in the weakest link or lowest common denominator theory. If someone has low moral values and disregard for the well being of others, and we let it slide are we now not reduced to lower values and therefore subject to having their values forced upon us ?
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Well, if they exhibit no values or morals, then they can't force any upon us. Only people with strong moral convictions would feel that they were being trespassed against. I agree that people can defend their own moral views to the death if they wish. I would. However, in the face of adversity, it seems that it would make more sense for all men to abandon morals and simply embrace the struggle for survival. A world without morality is not that difficult to imagine, and actually would not be as chaotic and anarchistic as you might think. There would still be crime and criminals, but no more than there are now (or possibly a very trivial, minute increase). In an amoral world, human beings would operate according to need, as Seditious outlined. Human beings who needed to commit crimes to survive, or desire to commit crimes in order to live better, would do so (as many do now). Those who do not need to or feel no desire to would not, the same as now. Despite what William Golding says, I believe that most human beings would not commit violent, "immoral" acts simply because they
could. That would attract unwanted negative attention towards them and fare them badly in the long run.
Quote:
Originally Posted by razoredge
But ya see... what you are refering to is another highly inherent human trait. Its called greed and selfishness, this is why over the centuries man developed codes of ethics... though thier application seems vague. The line doesnt stagger only the personal application
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In a world without morals, I think there would be no greed and selfishness. There would be only human ambition. The concept of greed springs from the creation of moral boundaries. It would be irrelevant to discuss greed in an amoral world. Codes of ethics were not created because of greed; the idea of greed was actually created
by a system of ethics.