Freedomain Radio

No, why should it?

Because it makes the difference between whether you are the last of your line or a fork to other branches.

 

Heuristic:

Because it makes the difference between whether you are the last of your line or a fork to other branches

I think that's interesting.  I understand the biological imperative driving that, but is that a rational philosophical position? 

"The way I see it, I have the right to harass a child and no one has the power to stop me."

is that a statement of a moral absolute?

the contradiction is pretty plain:
likely, the same thing that gives you the right to harass the child is what gives the parents the right to stop you.

but so i'm not speculating,
what is it exactly that gives you the right to harass the child?

Other people can do it, so then I can too.

 

toth8:

Other people can do it, so then I can too.

 

alright, so then here's the situation:

you're picking on a child, because the child pisses you off.
the underlying principle of this action is, "it's ok to pick on somebody that pisses you off."

so, then,
an observer who is sympathetic towards children will get pissed off at you,
and your principle gives them the right to pick on you.

it's parallel to that whole, "if stealing was moral, nobody would steal" thing.

I pick on children because I feel justified in doing so.  It's my right, really.

 

toth8:

I pick on children because I feel justified in doing so.  It's my right, really.

but i don't understand what makes it your right.

D.B.:

Heuristic:

Because it makes the difference between whether you are the last of your line or a fork to other branches

I think that's interesting.  I understand the biological imperative driving that, but is that a rational philosophical position? 

The decision to get up in the morning is not a rational philosophical position. It is an assertion of being, of "I am", and prior to philosophy. And so are my children.

 

toth8:

I pick on children because I feel justified in doing so.  It's my right, really.

 

I think your confusing taoism with logic. Just because things are one way does not mean they should be that way.

is there a live show on today, kids are awesome

toth8:

I pick on children because I feel justified in doing so.  It's my right, really.

 

Toth8, from reading some of your other responses on more complicated and unrelated subjects, I think you are capable of rationality and can obviously see the astronomical gaps in your logic and the blatant irrationality & immorality you are expressing here.  You are obviously aware of the high levels of intellect and logical rigor that takes place on this board.  Being in the presence of such moral and intelligent people and expressing such blatant, harmful irrationality looks like the ultimate cry for help.  I hope you take the opportunity to receive that help where it is offered to you before you vanish from this community.  Otherwise you are wasting everyone's time, including your own.  You've got one life and the time-line is straight and consistent.  Every second you waste holding and expressing these unhealthy positions is a time of your only life wasted in frustrating, smothering unhappiness.  Unless you are another species or from another universe than I, then that can not be a good thing.

toth8:

I pick on children because I feel justified in doing so.  It's my right, really.

Sorry, but you're going to have to get professional help with this. Please stop posting on this Board until you get it.

I just played this podcast today, and it is profound.  Especially the bit about poor eyesight.  I'd never heard the term "leveling" before, but there's one person i love who does this habitually with me when we disagree.  I might start with a momentary nitpick about her, and before the dust settles i'm literally made to apologize for things that happened a year ago.  Or else i'm declared unbearable and as bad as the worst of my relatives.  At least now i understand the dynamic, which is crucial since we both want shared longevity.

Hi Stef, great podcast, i really enjoyed that one. I'd never thought of the effect of the eyesight on co-ordination in that way before! was enlightening. Thanks