What IS good, and how do we determine it?

[Catholic_Lady]

I believe the death penalty is immoral as well, so I would be a hypocrite if I said this was moral. Unless she acted to save her child's life (which doesn't sound like it) I do not think it was a moral act.

But I do think that the woman's culpability is very much lessened if not completely eliminated due to the shock she was in. I would never condemn her or say she is a bad person.

And as you can see, even in our judicial system... murder remains a crime, but a person's verdict is subjective. 

You do not have to agree with my versions of morality. Likewise, I do not agree with yours either. We can have different morals and moral standards, and that is fine. I still respect your views, and I still think you are a good person despite our differences.

Well... I've changed my mind about whether you're a *good* person.  I absolutely do not respect the views you have, especially regarding this (do you really think she wasn't acting to save her child's life??? Seriously??), and I think it's vile you can still hold the views you have even after reading the (true life) story I told.

Wow.

That is fine. I respect your opinion about me. I still think you are a good person.

Well hold on a second there... if this was self defense (also including defense of another person's life), than I absolutely do not think it was an immoral act. The way you described it to me didn't sound like it was though.

Just to clarify, this is what I believe self defense to be -

If someone is attacking you (or another), you have the right to exert as much force as is necessary to stop them. No more, and no less. If that amount of force results in the offenders death, if is justified and not immoral.

If this was the case, then I absolutely agree that her actions were moral.

But I believe the only time it is moral to take another person's life is in the case of self defense. This means I oppose any death sentences, in whatever form they may come.

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I share Becca's sentiment. I can't grasp how you can hold such abhorrent beliefs, CL. You don't sound like a good person to me.

That is fine. I respect your opinion.

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I was referring to profanity and name calling.

I'm not an idiot; I know what you meant. But consider this:

What would you think of someone who used perfectly inoffensive, reasonable language to express the view that other people are deserving of torture? We've already established that thoughts and opinions are at least as bad as deeds to you even if they're never actually carried out - would you consider this person foul and profane?

Ok, just making sure.

I disagree with whatever person would say that.

I would consider this person's opinion foul and profane, yes. But I would try not to make the conclusive decision that a particular person is a bad person.