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To: The Philosopher who wrote (3570)	1/7/2003 11:46:41 PM
From: Solon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 7720

"But I also think he recognizes that beliefs can't be justified and validated by reason" As regards ethical beliefs, Neo apparently believes that he validates his particular opinions and judgments on the basis of his reason rather than his religious sentiments: "I have no religiously based moral judgment. It is all a matter of philosophy, and the ethical part of my philosophy does not even depend on the existence of God, much less some ecclesiastical authority......."

To: The Philosopher who wrote (3570)	1/8/2003 1:22:28 PM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 7720

The difference between opinions and truths is degree of likelihood. Something that is very likely can be accepted as true, something that is likelier than not, but still admitting reasonable doubt, is an opinion. The term "belief" is used in various ways, but most commonly to express an inner state of conviction as regards opinions. Of course, even implausible beliefs can be regarded as opinions, but to me, only reasonable opinions are valid. The rest are "mere opinion"......

To: The Philosopher who wrote (3570)	1/8/2003 1:42:34 PM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 7720

Without going over all of the facets of my ethical reflections again, I hold that we derive our moral premises from society (on our mother's knee, as it were); that we are in a position to note conflicts among values or between values and reality, and that that forces us to refine our views; and that society as a whole goes through such a process of sifting values and adjusting particular judgments, and, in the long run, comes closer to optimizing the values that animate it (over millennia). To me, that means that all values, in the end, reflect our obligations to society. We do not make up values, nor do values merely concern our own views and desires, but they guide us in our duties to others, primarily, and to society as a whole. Additionally, I think that social contract theory points to the animating goal of society, which is to create the conditions for as many people as possible to peaceably pursue their own ends, to expect them to contribute somewhat to the maintenance of society, and to form individuals capable of both taking care of themselves, and of being useful to society. The basis is consideration of the value of entering into society to the individual, and not removing himself or becoming an outlaw, to derive the intent of forming and sustaining societies. Thus, moral principles are roughly derivable through the consideration of what is required to have a viable society, or to fulfill its ultimate goals. For example, societies cannot run very well without trust, and therefore honesty. Societies cannot run very well if relationships are constantly troubled by unnecessary antagonism, and therefore common courtesy is a moral obligation. Societies that permit class mobility are preferable to aristocratic societies, since they enable individual talent to flourish, and enterprise to be pursued. Thus, "plainness" of manner, such as goes with a republic, is preferable to aristocratic frippery, which puts a high premium on mastering courtly manners and customs, on dressing "a la mode", and, generally, on snobbery. Some question are easier to address than others, and there may arise a number of obscure matters ripe for dispute. I merely not that the general framework of morality is pretty reasonable.......