RE: Atheists only vote please: Do absolute MORAL truths exist? Is Rape ALWAYS "wr...
October 30, 2014 at 10:49 pm
(October 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm)Tsun Tsu Wrote: You'd be surprised how "sciency" I can get I'm sure
As far as "evoking emotion" I would counter with why that should intimidate? Rape is a reality. And this is to discuss the effects and ramifications of our belief system on society, how it effects our teaching, and how and what is reinforced and emphasized. Summarily it is an examination as to which train of thought is ultimately more beneficial to society.
No one said that your example was intimidating. I'm objecting that your example is emotionally charged, which heightens the possibility of sloppy answers and sloppy argumentation.
(October 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm)Tsun Tsu Wrote: Also it is intended to help point out inconsistencies, and possibly even the more controversial end results of our belief systems.
It also holds the possibilities of obscuring them. A rape victim, for instance, may well have their reasoning suborned by the intense emotions brought forth by reconsidering what was obviously traumatic. Expecting the clear light of reason to shine through the fog of emotion strikes me as overly optimistic.
(October 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm)Tsun Tsu Wrote: So... it seems to me that the Atheist may have to resolve what brings about a higher moral code if universal truth actually exists... If it is ALWAYS wrong to rape, then this truth is larger than the world...
What does it mean to say that the "truth is larger than the world"? Do you mean to say that the truth exists apart from the world?
The world is about twenty-seven thousand miles at the Equator. How big is this truth of yours?
I think you're making a category error with this prose here.
(October 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm)Tsun Tsu Wrote: not made of matter... rape is not a chemical reaction. On the other hand, if one holds that rape is not always bad, then the Atheist is faced with the dilemma of providing an instance where it is "good".
I thought the example I provided was pretty good.
Another instance where it could be considered good is if a species which reproduces by rape is about to go extinct; rape may preserve the biodiversity of the planet.
(October 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm)Tsun Tsu Wrote: And how about child abuse?
Is it universally true that child abuse is wrong? Or are there instances where it is "good"?
I can't conceive of any instances where I'd find child abuse morally correct. But I'm not so arrogant as to think that everyone must share my views. I consider it wrong. I don't consider myself the arbiter of everyone's morality.
