Values

debateman · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 349 Location: New Mexico

I think that one of the largest problem we have is values. We don't know what we really value. Do we value freedom? Do we value quality of life? Who knows because we can't see on person apply their value across the board.

I would like to see someone pick a value and stick to it instead of simply dumping a value when it's not convenient for them.

Kizzume · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject:

Can you be more specific-or give examples? What do you mean by "simply dumping a value when it's not convenient for them"?

debateman · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 349 Location: New Mexico

K... Well lets talk about the value of life.

If you believe that life is the ultimate value then you should oppose abortion and the death penalty. Some people are able to just oppose abortion and say "Well the criminal had their chance." Well if that's the case the value really isn't on life, it's on opportunity.

People claim false values to make themselves appear to be better than they are.

Kizzume · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 5:00 pm Post subject:

If someone tries to set a generic set of values across themselves all the way down the line, then yes, it will probably be a false value. There are always exceptions to things like this, with maybe the exception of the types of libertarians that give you a 10 page answer to yes or no questions.

People definitely can claim false values to make themselves appear better than they are, but I don't know whether it's intentional or not for most people. I'm sure there ARE those people who do it on purpose. I know for myself, when I say I have certain values, I try really hard to make sure I stick to them. Sometimes I can't, and it's usually an issue I didn't think about when I said I had those values.

Sometimes one also has to make generalizations in order to explain something quickly. "Yeah, those are my values, basically."

But I have a feeling that you're talking about people who try to say that they're holier than thou and perfect and yet they espouse horrific hateful opinions of what should happen to others.

"Oh I'm such a nice person. Jesus is our savior. My green bean casserole is the best. That's why I think this person should die a horrible and painful death, praise the lord and blessed be--oh wouldn't you just know it, I burned the onions. Yes, well, it certainly is all black and--hey, I'm bakin' cajun'--but a horrible death for that person."

technocrat · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 216

I try to be pretty consistent with the communitarian utility value I follow. It's not always possible because other people exist. =D
But I usually do. It's not popular.