(August 4, 2013 at 7:25 pm)Consilius Wrote: The word 'murder' does not imply anything is needed other than your death.
Wrong again. There needs to be an element of "malice aforethought" to distinguish between murder and accidental manslaughter. So yes, it implies more than just one's death - it implies intent on the killer's part.
(August 4, 2013 at 7:25 pm)Consilius Wrote: In another case, self-sacrifice would only be virtuous when the thing is freely given.
Oh, but you would be freely allowing the murderer to murder you.
(August 4, 2013 at 7:25 pm)Consilius Wrote: What rationality says is that you should be nice when there's something in it for you. What about standing up for the rights of others? Giving to charity?
Agreed.
If you live in a society that would easily trample on a person's rights, then your own rights are that much less secure. Standing up for someone else's rights makes your own more secure and ensures future support should they be at risk.
Giving to charity may result in emotional gratification of satisfying your empathetic instincts, better reputation in the society, people owing you one and tax breaks. So, rationality says, there is something in it for you.
