granpa

Distinguish between your own chosen moral values and those that you believe to be universal moral values shared by every "moral" person.

jaej

Morals? I don't really believe in morals.

Everything ultimately boils down to hedonism. The reason some actions are deemed 'evil' or 'immoral' is merely because a peaceful, productive society requires some semblance of order, and people running around stealing and killing and raping would put a damper on that order.

I think 'morality' is all about an individuals perception of themself. Morality only serves the person with the morals. I was thinking about this at work one time as I was putting anti-theft stickers on some of the products (I work in a drug store). If someone wants to steal something, what difference does it make besides the fact that they're taking stuff that isn't theirs? A person's choice to steal ultimately affects themself. I suppose you could say it affects the corporation too, but I'm talking about the inter-personal aspect of morality. If a person decides not to steal, they have a victory in their own mind. They triumphed over Satan or whomever they thought was tempting them (even though it's their own hedonistic nature). But consider the alternative. If they do steal, it only affects them (and said corporation, but thats a moot point as I was saying). It either affects them positively (they got something they wanted without paying for it) or negatively (they beat themself up because they did something they shouldn't have). Now, I'm not condoning theft here. My point is, that choice affects no other person if they don't know. It only affects the theif. In essence, what's the point of NOT stealing if no one else will know?

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debdodd

JJ go empty your PM box!!!!!

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"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

The An-Jel

Wow now I am getting an unsure feeling that a colaboration is happening here.

granpa define your box and granma's box, all three of them, before a rambunctuous person like I should answer!

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Life is simple, people make it complicated - Basilisk

Nulli Expugnabilis Hosti - Royal Gibraltar Regiment

Geshtinnanna

My moral values are whatever I can live with and look at my reflection. I have no clue as to anyone else.

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jaej

I also don't believe there are universal morals. Much like truth, morality is greatly dependant on a person's point of view. A person's beliefs, culture, childhood, socio-economic status, and perspective on life all contribute greatly to the way they act, and hence their 'morals'. While there are many common factors, such as actions that are considered inhumane, unjust, etc., I think utilitarianism is one of the most base criteria people use when subconsciously choosing their 'moral code', if you will.

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Maximus

Morality and Ethics were created by a few people, what I hate in life possibly the most is when people tell me this or that is immoral or unethical, like morals and ethics are sacred boundaries not to be crossed.

Yeah I don't believe in morals or ethics I also don't believe in right or wrong, there is only the beneficial and the negative. Go with the beneficial and you'll be alright.

Derbonic

What?! Ouch guys. Morals are simple. It is my firm opinoin that religions only serve to confuse and detract from moral honesty. Empathy is the key. Do unto others... still rings true and if you think you have an exeption to the rule then you need to think about it a little more.
I often use the words " RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL " in place of "DO UNTO OTHERS..."

If you think about it , all of thecomandments exept "love god..." are already encompased by the golden rule. A child has no problem comming up with the golden rule all by themselves when unmolested by the teachings of others. The same as all the rest of the animals that live in herds.

Astreja

I'm unwilling to declare any moral value 'universal', because virtually every scenario can have a counter-example based on a specific implementation.

For me personally, it all boils down to "Protect yourself, and whenever possible avoid causing harm to others."

Skepticologist

Like many other mysteries of life, I believe morality boils down to an evolutionary imperative. If all members of a species kill, steal from and otherwise harm other members, the species will cease to exist in relatively short order. Ultimately, the biggest, baddest and most ruthless member will be the last one standing, and he or she can't live forever without the support of the members he or she has driven into obscurity.

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Clarence Darrow