That's because you're still expecting logic to explain everything.
I don't deny that there are subjective, emotional aspects of my
moral system -- one of them being the "ought" that you describe.
But this is not as much of a problem as you might think, because if
you talk to enough people you'll begin to realize that empathy is really
a pretty common thing. It just needs to be properly encouraged.
>The observation that I have certain feelings doesn't tell me
>whether I should obey the feelings or not.
If your feelings are telling you that it is wrong to hurt other people
(as they do in the majority of people under normal circumstances),
then those feelings will be pretty strong and you will naturally tend to
obey them, sometimes even if you don't want to on some levels.
>When they incline me to
>protect the life of my children should I obey them? Why?
Yes, because this is protecting and caring about another human.
>When they
>incline me to rape a woman should I obey them (supposing I could avoid
>negative repercussions from the law) Why not?
No, because this is not.
I know that you find these answers unsatisfying, because there is still
a subjective element to them. But remember that there are also subjective
elements to the "universal" moral system of Christianity.
>How do I go about finding your previous posting on this subject?
I'll see if I can dig it up again and mail it to you, Gene.
_____________________________________________________________
| Russell Stewart |
| http://www.rt66.com/diamond/ |
|_____________________________________________________________|
| Albuquerque, New Mexico | diamond@rt66.com |
|_____________________________|_______________________________|
Tautology
(n) See truism.
Truism
(n) See tautology.