"And perhaps you will answer the other side of the question, about why an individual has any obligation NOT to deny humanity...
I have addressed that issue many times since it is the basis of my argument over recent posts.
We are humans. As such we have a role in the world that allows us to struggle with issues of decency, honor, and the nobility of our human nature; while simultaneously answering to issues of injustice, tragedy, and despotism.
It is a difficult challenge. We have an obligation to consider and have regard for other persons with whom we share the challenge of humanity and we must expect them and humanity as a whole to hold the same regard for us as individuals.
When there is a breach in humanity tragic circumstances present them selves. That is, when one of our members is offended by the presense or actions of another, or by the whole of humanity, and vica versa. Every law that I can think of addresses this point.
So, there may be times and circumstances where an individual has been brought into tragedy as a victim of circumstance. The civil war made outlaws of some men. Benedict Arnold was an honorable man who took the option of returning his loyalty to England. I have changed the course of my life on many occassions and am just as able as the next guy to beg, rob, or kill, if the awful conditions that drive men to such dishonorable things were to present themselves. I thank God that I have been spared these things up until now.
Laws are good that support us in maintaining an honorable coexistence. Laws are good that lift up the virtues of humanity and encourage its members to rise and continue are good. Laws that address the lot of humanity as a tragic failure that needs to be discontinued are bad.
If one finds himself in tragic circumstances, the honorable thing to do is accept his departure from humanity as an individual choice and that is not legitimate for all of humanity. A law breaker, but one who accepts the responsibility for his decision. The dishonorable thing for a thief, and murderer to do is to try to move the rest of society in line with and in support of his tragic circumstance, so that he feels he still belongs.
...about why an individual has any obligation NOT to deny humanity...
Any individual who wants to ride the humanity baloon has an obligation not to poke holes in it. |
