(September 28, 2018 at 7:33 am)robvalue Wrote: That sounds about right. It appears he just announces morality to be exactly what he says it is, and then hand-waves away all other possibilities (including Hume's guillotine), with next to no explanation. It appears to serve no practical purpose whatsoever, as he covers nothing more nuanced than, "Be nice or kill people". It's a really long-winded way to arrive at a conclusion most people agree with anyway. Moral dilemmas don't seem to be addressed at all.
I think that people put far too much stock into moral dilemmas, as though their existence is indicative of a flaw in a moral system. All sufficiently complex value systems will necessitate dilemma. If my entire schema was I like chocolate - I would never have any dilemma at the ice cream isle. The moment I add just one other flavor...well.
I was reading a few summaries and some criticism of the book and he does mention that even within his own utilitarian hedonism..there is more than one way to flourish..some of them at odds with each other.
What problems do you see arising from the is-ought issue?
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!