Masculinity

[Oneofthediaspora]

Um, I think this is a bit ridiculous You're seriously telling me that until you and I agree about why we want safe, happy lives for ourselves and our loved ones, we can't have a sensible discussion about any other issue that stems from that desire

Yep
Question everything even, or especially, if it seems really fundamental.
You see, if you are of the opinion (and you haven't voiced it yet, I know). That certain things appear to be self-evident ethically then you are moving dangerously close to an idea of the Natural Law.
I'm interested in how that would tie in with moral relativism.

Mike.

 

[cantata]

Yep
Question everything even, or especially, if it seems really fundamental.

By all means, but in the correct context: that is, in a discussion about meta-ethics.

If I want to make a policy about, say, the provision of free education, I don't want to have to sort out first why everyone thinks that it's important that the citizens of my country be free, happy, and safe.

You see, if you are of the opinion (and you haven't voiced it yet, I know). That certain things appear to be self-evident ethically then you are moving dangerously close to an idea of the Natural Law.
I'm interested in how that would tie in with moral relativism.

Mike.

I think you misunderstand me.

Most people have some feelings that get classed as "moral" feelings. That is a fact. I do not believe that these feelings correspond to any shiny, written-in-the-sky moral truths (as Aquinas argued). But I do believe that people have these feelings. It would simply be dishonest to deny that.

 

[Oneofthediaspora]

So let's discuss meta-ethics. That's what I was trying to get at.

Did Aquinas say that they were written in the sky?

These "feelings" that people have ... some are noble and some are base. How do we decide which is which?

 

[cantata]

So let's discuss meta-ethics. That's what I was trying to get at.

Well, okay - but this bit of our exchange began with your claim that it's disingenuous of me to engage in "ethical" discussion when I don't believe in an absolute basis for ethics. That's why I argued that most ethical discussions are about prudence. In a meta-ethical discussion, I am, of course, honest about my views!

Did Aquinas say that they were written in the sky?

Metaphorically speaking.

These "feelings" that people have ... some are noble and some are base. How do we decide which is which?

Only on the basis of our own prejudices. The assertions that "this is noble" or "that is base" are really just expressions of feelings, too.