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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: one_less who wrote (14850)	5/29/2001 5:30:42 PM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 82486

I thought I would toss in a couple of old posts from arguments about morality: 1.)I have argued that there are other motivations than either individual or group survival that are common to humanity, and that these can be summarized as an aspiration to create a human world, one that affirms the dignity of man in distinction from other creatures, and allows for the full play of his faculties. 2.)I have argued that morality, especially as it has been refined with the development of civilization, seeks to reinforce such aspirations, rather than merely seeking the persistence of the species. 3.)I have argued that it is useless to try to ground such aspirations in the instinct of survival, since there expression goes well beyond any such imperative, but that it is harmless to suppose them to be "refinements" of the survival instinct. 4.)I have argued that civilization is generally attractive to people as a result of such aspirations, and that most people relate to the idea of progress on the basis of them. Social evolution is motivated by the desire of progress, not the imperatives of survival. We seek to improve the condition of the masses because they are human, and should not live in squalor if it can be helped. We seek to afford the greatest number access to a good life, one that allows them dignity and the exercise of their faculties, and that is why, in the course of time, we develop institutions conducive to that, such as the rule of law and liberal democracy, universal education and the development of technology to minimize menial labor. In short, we try to follow the Categorical Imperative:"Never treat another human being as merely a means, but also as an end"...... Message 13483128 dignity

To: one_less who wrote (14850)	5/29/2001 5:33:39 PM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 82486

Another old post: Human beings have a natural urge to distinguish themselves from the other animals, assert their dignity, and improve their lot. If you want, it may arise from the common instinct of hierarchy found among many mammals, where there are competitions and "pecking orders". Combine this with the greater self- consciousness of human beings, and it becomes not merely a matter of position within the herd, but within the world. Competition among humans is partially ameliorated by human solidarity in extending dominion over the other animals, and the natural world generally. On this view, morality is a way of reinforcing the sense of human dignity, by seeking to regulate the passions common to all animals, and establishing respect between people. It is reasonable because humans seek honor when they are free of a preoccupation with merely surviving, and therefore, by extension, would want to emphasize their distance from other animals. Is that succinct enough? On the other, you misunderstand. I am saying that primitive cultures are the wrong place to look, because civilized cultures are free to pursue other human aspirations, being freed from continual scrounging....... Message 13492461 dignity