The Silver Rule > The Golden Rule

[Aroura]

The silver rule is don't do unto others as you wouldn't have them do unto you. Which means you won't do things to other people if they are things that would harm you.

And I find it less interfering and less "It's for your own good" than the golden rule... and since not everyone likes to be treated the same way.

The silver rule at least doesn't harm people directly whereas the golden rule definitely can. It can be officious.

Personally I think the two most principal moral principles are "Do no harm." and "Do some help." I think the silver rule is a very basic guide to doing no harm and the golden rule is a very basic guide to doing some help. I definitely think there is an asymmetry between pleasure and suffering and thus I lean more towards the side if the negative utilitarian than the pleasure utilitarian and I consider myself a moral antinatalist. I think of the two basic moral principles that I suggested ("Do no harm" and "Do some help.") "Do no harm." is hence the most fundamental of the two and therefore because the silver rule aligns with that better than the golden rule it is therefore the most fundamental of the two rules.

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Where is the poll choice for bestestessesness turtlificum ??

I do muss being a turtle.

FML

The silver rule doesnt really cover doing nice things for others, just nut hurting them.
I prefer the golden as it covers not harming others, but also being actively as good as you can.
Sure, there are flaws. No moral rule is perfect or unchanging. People might not like or want the things another considers good. The path to hell is paved with good intentions, as my mom says. But its a good place to start. I think society improves as more people try to live by this rule, or one similar.

Also, the silver rule seems actively passive, haha. The way of the leaf, don't hurt others even if they intend to hurt you, sort of thing. That may actually be the best way to live, I'm not sure, but I think it's much more difficult for the majority of people.

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So, if I'm a masochist...?

Which is what kneecaps these simplistic rules. Why not just treat people the way they want to be treated, if you want a basic rule at all

But, then you have to actually interact with them and try and understand what they want! Too much work, and too scary, for most people. Lol
Though I agree it's a better idea as far as simple rules go.