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Uh...that's not the reason He gives. The reason He gives is "this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
I don't put much credence in that. I treat it as a bargain. Treat me well and I'll reciprocate. If they are created in God's image then they need to act as such. If they don't then all bets are off.Sure. I do. Most of us aren't sado-masochists and enjoying being mistreated.
But we both know there's another reason as well even behind Jesus' reason for giving the Golden Rule, and it has to do with the biblical doctrine of loving those who have been created in God's Image as best we can, even if they don't reciprocate.
That's funny, because what He said was "the law and the prophets". So I presume He was talking about the law and the prophets(several of the books of the OT) and not just saying the idea was common. In other words, He seems to be saying "this is the summary of what God has said." as His reason. But maybe you're right, though I'm quite curious how you know what He really meant?He wasn't telling us that there was a law to be followed. He was reminding us of what was a very common idea for living well.
I do. If my neighbour beats his wife and kids there won't be much love from me.So love thy neighbor as thyself, that's it? I mean it's a good basis for morality in theory, but really, really difficult to implement in a diverse social setting, don't you think?
I don't put much credence in that. I treat it as a bargain. Treat me well and I'll reciprocate. If they are created in God's image then they need to act as such. If they don't then all bets are off.
I do. If my neighbour beats his wife and kids there won't be much love from me.
Then you don't follow it at all, do you? They call that the bronze rule, "Do unto others what they do unto you." I suppose at least you're not following the iron rule, "do unto others before they do unto you."I don't put much credence in that. I treat it as a bargain. Treat me well and I'll reciprocate. If they are created in God's image then they need to act as such. If they don't then all bets are off.
But common it is. It's pretty much universal. And certainly predates Christianity.That's funny, because what He said was "the law and the prophets". So I presume He was talking about the law and the prophets(several of the books of the OT) and not just saying the idea was common.
I know because of what He is reported to have said. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Treat them well because you want to be treated well. Don't treat them badly because you would not want to be treated badly. He's just emhasising empathy.In other words, He seems to be saying "this is the summary of what God has said." as His reason. But maybe you're right, though I'm quite curious how you know what He really meant?
Oh? Certainly doesn't seem that way to me. Though its rather trifling to get into when and where it's been articulated.But common it is. It's pretty much universal. And certainly predates Christianity.
Desire has nothing to do with it. At least not based on what He said, because the sole reason He gave for it was that it is what is written in the Law and the Prophets. And He isn't emphasizing empathy, because whether we have empathy for someone or not the golden rule applies. I need not feel any way about a person to do right by them, all that matters is how I treat them.I know because of what He is reported to have said. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Treat them well because you want to be treated well. Don't treat them badly because you would not want to be treated badly. He's just emhasising empathy.
All reasons are not equal! And yeah, it's really handy if they are based on fact.Except if something is a matter of opinion, then all reasons are equal. Opinions don't need reasons, they need facts.
So no other reason than 'God said so'. You don't have your own reasons other than that. Again that's where we differ. You rely on someone else to tell you what's right or wrong. I don't. I make the decision myself. Glad we have that finally sorted out.God tells me what is right or wrong. My reason for accepting it is because God tells me its wrong.
Your questions don't make any sense. Facts involved in what? The moral truth of a matter is what needs go be determined. By the arguments put forward. You then come to an opinion.Oh? So what are the non-arbitrary facts involved? What are the moral truths that allow us to prioritize one reason over another that aren't just one person's opinion?
Ice cream is not a moral matter.If there is no relevant fact to argue about, then any argument is as good as any other. If it ultimately comes down to my opinion, no reason needs to be specified. If it is my opinion that chocolate ice cream is good, then chocolate ice cream is good. Are you going to argue with me? Or say that your own flavor preferences are based on arguments?
From the first hit on Google:The only nonsense is your statements. It's all just your opinion, but your opinion iis based on non-arbitrary reasons that depend on arguments that convince you. But what is it about the arguments that convinces you? What makes for a good moral argument?
See above if you're confused about what constitutes a good argument.Oh? So what's the non-arbitrary fact that separates them? I don't think all those reasons are equivalent, or else I'd be a nihilist. But if the only thing that separates them is personal opinion, then it doesn't really matter which reason I give preference to.
Morality is subjective. Because we decide what is right and wrong. Based on the evidence. Which hopefully is factual. And facts are objective.So is morality subjective/relative or are there objective moral facts?
This is a silly question. Check out the list above for what constitutes a good argument. Investigate different arguments. Make a decision on why you think one is stronger. Don't ask God. You have to do this. Let me know how you get on.So what makes for a strong moral argument other than that it is strong? How do we determine what a strong moral argument is? What is the non-arbitrary but relative basis for us to sort moral arguments?
You should investigate it. Google is your friend. I'm not of a mind to do it for you.Oh? Certainly doesn't seem that way to me. Though its rather trifling to get into when and where it's been articulated.
The golden rule isn't relevant unless you employ empathy. Put yourself in their shoes and work it out from there. It's not actually a rule. Itshould be called the Golden Guide.Desire has nothing to do with it. At least not based on what He said, because the sole reason He gave for it was that it is what is written in the Law and the Prophets. And He isn't emphasizing empathy, because whether we have empathy for someone or not the golden rule applies. I need not feel any way about a person to do right by them, all that matters is how I treat them.
Well, if loving my neighbour means I can give him some of his own treatment and give the guy a beating - just to discipline him of course, then fine. I'll go with that.Keep in mind that biblical love isn't necessarily "nice" at all times. Occasionally, it can be quite tough and disciplinarian ----- like you would be when handling your neighbor's abusive husband.
Well, I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to shoot the other guy before he shoots me. Your mileage may vary.Then you don't follow it at all, do you? They call that the bronze rule, "Do unto others what they do unto you." I suppose at least you're not following the iron rule, "do unto others before they do unto you."
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."Oh, we'll have plenty to discuss. Trust me on that.
Well, if loving my neighbour means I can give him some of his own treatment and give the guy a beating - just to discipline him of course, then fine. I'll go with that.
Just a heads up...I don't read scripture if it's put forward as an argument."But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
2 Corinthians 2:14
Each to his own.Maybe. That's one form of intercession.
Although I was thinking more along the lines of handing him over to the long arm of the law and protecting his wife and kids.
If its purely a matter of personal taste, then what distinguishes one reason from another? If it's an opinion, I don't need an argument because it's just my opinion. So is it just your opinion or is there more to it than that?All reasons are not equal! And yeah, it's really handy if they are based on fact.
What more reason do I need? My opinion is the best reason possible is that God has said it. So if the only thing that separates us is opinions, then it doesn't really matter whether you decided for yourself or not. Because at the end of the day what you have decided is just your opinion. Which you seem to think is based on good arguments for...reasons?So no other reason than 'God said so'. You don't have your own reasons other than that. Again that's where we differ. You rely on someone else to tell you what's right or wrong. I don't. I make the decision myself. Glad we have that finally sorted out.
"Moral truth"? I thought you said it was relative? Now there's moral truth? Pick a lane.Your questions don't make any sense. Facts involved in what? The moral truth of a matter is what needs go be determined. By the arguments put forward. You then come to an opinion.
If I say it is, then why isn't it?Ice cream is not a moral matter.
Great, now we have a definition of what a strong argument would include. So let's explore a couple. What are the non-arbitrary yet subjective moral premises?From the first hit on Google:
- Logical structure: The argument should have a logical structure that connects the main claim to other claims and counterclaims.
- Clear conclusion: The conclusion and supporting reasons should be explicitly stated.
- Relevant evidence: The evidence presented should be relevant to the conclusion.
- Sufficient reasons: The reasons should be sufficient in number and weight to support the conclusion.
- True premises: The premises must be true and support the conclusion.
- Acceptable reasons: The reasons should be acceptable to a mature, rational adult.
- No contradictory reasons: The reasons should not contradict each other or assume the truth of the conclusion.
- Anticipate criticism: The argument should proactively anticipate and address any serious criticisms.
I'm not confused about what constitutes a good argument, but why you demand an opinion have an argument. Unless you were lying when you said you think morals are just your opinion?See above if you're confused about what constitutes a good argument.
Evidence? According to you morality is subjective, so there are no objective facts to consider. So what possible facts or evidence can be involved?Morality is subjective. Because we decide what is right and wrong. Based on the evidence. Which hopefully is factual. And facts are objective.
Perhaps you could explain why an opinion would need an argument. Unless you don't thnk morals are matters of opinion.This is a silly question. Check out the list above for what constitutes a good argument. Investigate different arguments. Make a decision on why you think one is stronger. Don't ask God. You have to do this. Let me know how you get on.
Do I have to explain to you yet again that not all arguments are equal? Do I really have to give you examples? Surely not...And you don't need an argument anyway for moral matters. You have said, on more than one occasion, that you simply listen to God.If its purely a matter of personal taste, then what distinguishes one reason from another? If it's an opinion, I don't need an argument because it's just my opinion. So is it just your opinion or is there more to it than that?
Yeah, that sums it up quite nicely. It was in my first post on the matter. I decide based on the arguments for and against. And you are told what the answer is.What more reason do I need? My opinion is the best reason possible is that God has said it. So if the only thing that separates us is opinions, then it doesn't really matter whether you decided for yourself or not. Because at the end of the day what you have decided is just your opinion. Which you seem to think is based on good arguments for...reasons?
Don't be facetious. If I hold to a moral position it's true as far as I am concerned. I have decided that it's true. You've been told."Moral truth"? I thought you said it was relative? Now there's moral truth? Pick a lane.
Don't be silly.If I say it is, then why isn't it?
Do you know what a premise is? It's a statement that will justify a conclusion. You can't nominate a premise without knowing what argument you are presenting. Make an argument and you'll have to present a premise.Great, now we have a definition of what a strong argument would include. So let's explore a couple. What are the non-arbitrary yet non-objective moral premises?
How do you decide on what your opinion will be on whether an act is moral or not without being presented with an argument? Well, I should have said 'How does one decide...etc'. You've told me that someone else tells you. So you don't actually need an argument.I'm not confused about what constitutes a good argument, but why you demand an opinion have an argument.
Yet again... morality is relative. Facts are objective. Don't make me repeat that.Evidence? According to you morality is subjective, so there are no objective facts to consider. So what possible facts or evidence can be involved?
You don't need an argument. God simply tells you. For everyone else, an argument is needed in order to form an opinion.Perhaps you could explain why an opinion would need an argument. Unless you don't thnk morals are matters of opinion.
Opinions don't require arguments. So either way, no argument is necessary.Do I have to explain to you yet again that not all arguments are equal? Do I really have to give you examples? Surely not...And you don't need an argument anyway for moral matters. You have said, on more than one occasion, that you simply listen to God.
Do you understand the difference between something being factually true and an opinion? If morals are subjective, then those morals are not factually true but simply the subjective opinion of one person. So are morals factual statements, that require arguments and evidence or are they subjective opinions that are relative?Yeah, that sums it up quite nicely. It was in my first post on the matter. I decide based on the arguments for and against. And you are told what the answer is.
See, that's the whole thing. If morals are relative, then they can't be true or false. They're just opinions. You've decided that it's right, and so that makes it true. Since you've decided that its true, it must be true. But what are the facts and evidence its based on?Don't be facetious. If I hold to a moral position it's true as far as I am concerned. I have decided that it's true. You've been told.
You don't seem to have a firm grasp on the is-ought problem.Don't be silly.
A premise is something that a conclusion follows from, you say that your moral opinions aren't just arbitrary opinions and are based on arguments. So I presume you have premises for those arguments. So field a couple and let's see if they hold.Do you know what a premise is? It's a statement that will justify a conclusion. You can't nominate a premise without knowing what argument you are presenting. Make an argument and you'll have to present a premise.
Well, if it's just my opinion then why do I need any argument at all? Its not factual, it's just a subjective opinion isn't it? Or do you not understand the difference between fact and opinion?How do you decide on what your opinion will be on whether an act is moral or not without being presented with an argument? Well, I should have said 'How does one decide...etc'. You've told me that someone else tells you. So you don't actually need an argument.
Right. So morality need not depend on any facts. Because if I believe its right, then its right. Because its relative, and I decide what is right and wrong. Or is there such a thing as relative truth to you?Yet again... morality is relative. Facts are objective. Don't make me repeat that.
What possible argument could be had, it's subjective not objective isn't it? So it doesn't make sense to talk about it in terms of truth or falsity, because subjective opinions aren't factual statements. So what are these mysterious facts and evidence you've based your moral opinions on?You don't need an argument. God simply tells you. For everyone else, an argument is needed to form an opinion.
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