Illegal downloading

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Umm,Kyu, certainly entitled to say, but I'm not sure that dog will hunt. The claim seems to be illegal=immoral. [if society says so] Society does not dictate my personal moral values and never has.

1. Morality is social
   
2. In a rights-based society (democratic I assume by default) laws tend to reflect morality (not absolutely but tend to) therefore illegal actions tend to be largely immoral.

Kyu

TEND to.Nice evasion. I think that argument is more likely in small communitie,say in agrarian societies. Les likely in industrial societies with huge urban populations where dissent is at least tolerated.


EG Within mine: it is not usually illegal to lie, to sleep with another's spouse, nor to be be emotionally unkind to others,say to a handicapped person,or one's parent's. It's perfectly legal to lust after the spouse or possessions of others.It's perfectly legal to be callous and indifferent to the feelings and suffering of others,even to derive pleasure from the suffering of others (A national past time in Germany,they call it "schadenfreude")

Sexuality/sexual conduct: Abortion: Legal but considered immoral by many. Homosexual activity;legal but considered immoral by many,same for premarital sex.

Business conduct:a lot of business conduct is perfectly legal,but considered immoral by many.EG most advertising is dishonest/manipulative [immoral] in some way,at least by hyperbole or omission,but not illegal.

An egoist, this is my position on morality: The base of morality is pragmatism and self interest. Codified law is the formalised self protection of the interests of the status quo. This is certainly reflected in moral codes such as those found in major religions. However,this rarely meshes smoothly with individual morality as it is lived. Individual morality is based on individual self interest and is far more fluid than most people like to admit.

I have nothing further to say on this topic. I guess we may need to agree to differ,which is fine. I don't claim my view is right,only that it's mine and suits me.