(May 20, 2014 at 1:58 pm)Cato Wrote: Nobody is suggesting that this Fischer character isn't a deplorable asshole, but I'm not in the habit of interrogating bloodied human speedbumps while on a stroll prior to getting them medical attention. No matter what his views are or the manner in which he disseminates them, I believe he can be countered without allowing him to writhe alone in pain until he succumbs to his injuries. I fear promoting Judge Dredd behavior by those with hypersensitivity to crankish opinions than I do to the crankish opinions themselves. The OP also doesn't consider the fact that if Fischer were to pass on the street that there will be some other asshole to immediately take his place.

Reciprocity is also in play. I would hope that somebody encountering my bloody mass would lend assistance without considering how my opinions mesh with their view of existence.

QFT.

I'd like to think of myself as being able to even help my enemy if they're in need of my assistance and I'm able to give it.

I don't see any need for us to sink to their level in this regards. We should be (and are) the better person for rising above this and acting with compassion and empathy.

Easy to say when not confronted with the situation, but it's an ideal I'd want to aspire to.

If our worldview really is superior, we shouldn't have to promote it by killing our opponents. Pragmatic ethics is my ultimate moral paradigm, and this metaethical theory tells me that it's counterproductive to kill people for holding different viewpoints.

Is it okay if I call 911 and then stuff his pockets with little baggies of black tar heroin?

(May 21, 2014 at 1:32 pm)Coffee Jesus Wrote: If our worldview really is superior, we shouldn't have to promote it by killing our opponents. Pragmatic ethics is my ultimate moral paradigm, and this metaethical theory tells me that it's counterproductive to kill people for holding different viewpoints.

So that's why you would save him? To feel superior?(A hard accusation I know but to be honest I don't think that I didn't misinterpreted what you said did I?) And another question what is more counterproductive? Kill people that hold different viewpoints? Or helping people that hold different viewpoints?

(May 21, 2014 at 2:27 pm)Ryantology (╯°◊°)╯︵ ══╬ Wrote: Is it okay if I call 911 and then stuff his pockets with little baggies of black tar heroin?

I like your style

(May 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: This is one of the many reasons why it is not a dilemma for me.


The more nut jobs like this guy there are spouting their bigotry, the more it discredits ALL religion.

Tell that to the nazis. Thousands supported the holocaust and millions were killed during it(and I'm not talking only about the jews, there where apse the gypsies, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses as well) yet christianity persists in our days. And religions not only persist but is considered a normal attribute of any human being.

(May 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: I want guys like this out there.

Seriously? And I'm the one who's been judge by formulating this question?
Not the guy that wants more denialists, homophobes, misogynists and christian extremist.
But me? Seriously?

(May 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: They are among the best enemies religion has.

Many people say this as well. But it's only when our enemies start winning that we take a look at what we were saying.

I would provide whatever assistance is required.

I would also specify to him, after he has been looked after, that I'm an atheist.

(May 21, 2014 at 4:14 pm)Zidneya Wrote:

(May 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: This is one of the many reasons why it is not a dilemma for me.


The more nut jobs like this guy there are spouting their bigotry, the more it discredits ALL religion.

Tell that to the nazis. Thousands supported the holocaust and millions were killed during it(and I'm not talking only about the jews, there where apse the gypsies, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses as well) yet christianity persists in our days. And religions not only persist but is considered a normal attribute of any human being.

(May 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: I want guys like this out there.

Seriously? And I'm the one who's been judge by formulating this question?
Not the guy that wants more denialists, homophobes, misogynists and christian extremist.
But me? Seriously?

(May 21, 2014 at 3:20 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: They are among the best enemies religion has.

Many people say this as well. But it's only when our enemies start winning that we take a look at what we were saying.

Guys like him are not going to lead to Fascism.

An argument can be made that we are already in the first stages of Fascism, lead by corporations. Not by right wing crackpots.

F

(May 21, 2014 at 4:14 pm)Zidneya Wrote:

(May 21, 2014 at 1:32 pm)Coffee Jesus Wrote: If our worldview really is superior, we shouldn't have to promote it by killing our opponents. Pragmatic ethics is my ultimate moral paradigm, and this metaethical theory tells me that it's counterproductive to kill people for holding different viewpoints.

So that's why you would save him? To feel superior?(A hard accusation I know but to be honest I don't think that I didn't misinterpreted what you said did I?) And another question what is more counterproductive? Kill people that hold different viewpoints? Or helping people that hold different viewpoints?

No, I would save him because I'm not so certain of my beliefs that I'm willing to kill my opponents. Pragmatic ethics emphasizes inquiry, and while he may be prejudiced and uncompromising on a trite issue, he has to be free to make his case or else we cannot claim to embrace free inquiry. If I refuse to save him because of his beliefs, then I am discriminating against him on the basis of his beliefs, and such discrimination is counterproductive to free inquiry.