(June 21, 2015 at 6:11 pm)Pyrrho Wrote:(June 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote: Do you, as atheists, believe that human life has inherent value? (this means human life has value, in and of itself, unconditionally)
Definition of inherent (as per webster):
a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute
If so, why do you believe this and how did you come to that conclusion?
(PS - No agenda here, just honestly curious about what you think and why you think it. If you do not want to hear my opinions, don't ask. I promise not to talk about them otherwise.)
As atheists, no one has an opinion on that subject. Atheism does not entail anything about the question at all.
In my opinion, value requires a valuer. That is to say, the value of something does not reside in the something, it resides in the individual making the value judgement. See the meaning of the word "value":
Quote:value
noun
1[MASS NOUN] The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something:your support is of great value
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/defini...ctCode=all
Consequently, nothing could possibly have inherent value.
Thanks for the straight forward reply.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh
