On Moral Authorities

[robvalue]

Ignorant: [1] You've just stated the goals of morality as you see them. [2] If I disagree about what the goals should be, then what?

1) I don't remember doing so. Can you point me to where you're reading that? I seem to remember intentionally leaving the "goals" part blank (________________)!

2) Then we can have a conversation about it! Hopefully, due to our both being human, we could have some common ground regarding the "object" in question, as well as common experiences of that object (the object being life lived as a human).

[added later in an edit] In order to disagree about what the goals "should be", you must first have an idea of where you are trying to "end up" through your actions. If you have that idea, then you have an idea of what human nature/human happiness is. Clearly, seeing as few people on earth (if any) seem to know exactly what that is, know how to bring it about well, and possess the power to bring it about, then you or I can be flat wrong about the goals, how to achieve them, or what we are in the first place. Talking with people who disagree can aid in painting a clearer picture.

For one thing, it doesn't even mention other animals at all. According to that, [3] I can do anything I like to them as long as it doesn't upset humans without being "immoral".

3) How does that follow from my words: The happiest of human lives consists in ___________ ? I mean... it's not even a complete thought! =)

[edit] Just so you know, my "blank" would include information on the relationship between a human life and the rest of nature. In other words, there are many things you could do to animals that, even if not "upsetting" to humans, will ultimately fail to bring about human happiness, and will often bring about sadder versions of it instead. I'm more interested in whether or not there are things we can put in the blank that would apply to every human being, because that would be a good start for an objective and reasonable moral "authority".

Sorry if I misunderstood. Are you saying human happiness is just one proposed goal then?

I agree it is a good goal, but it is incredibly vague and qualifying it is very hard. I don't think it can be objectified in any way.