How do we get out of this place?

April 25, 2005

How do we get out of this place?

• Cultural Relativism– Nihilism, Anarchy

• Absolutism– Fascism, Fundamentalism, Racism

Freedom from Harm

• On what ground do we justify?

• Morality is something held by all rational people.– What is morality?– What is rational?

What is Rational?

• Based on Descartes

• Vodou: logical, but not rational

• Irrational does not mean arbitrary

What is Morality?

1) Quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct.

2) A system of ideas of right and wrong conduct.

3) Virtuous conduct.4) A rule or lesson in moral conduct.

What is Morality?

• Right and Wrong based on logic

• What do I owe to myself? and, What do I owe to others?

What is Morality?

• Problem: What is the proper recipient of rights?

• Liberalism: Individual• Communitarianism: Family or other

social unit

Sisters in Islam

Choice

• Choose to wear the veil

• Choose genital mutilation?

• Does this resolve the conflict between the individual and the family?

Death Penalty

• Application: arbitrary and capricious

• Standards of decency change over time:– Lynching– Electric Chair– Lethal Injection

Boat People

• Cubans: granted refugee status• Haitians: deported

• Political dissidents: refugees• No refugee status for economic

status

Individuality

• How do you express your individuality?

• What do you associate with conformity?

How do we get out of this place?

• Cultural Relativism: Nihilism, Anarchy

Society CultureIndividuals

• Absolutism: Facism, Fundamentalism, Racism