Dishonest debate tactics like, say, hasty generalizations and using negative characterizations to poison the well?Quote by: Maryjane
In the past (a few years ago) I've also stated that there is no god and that might makes right. I guess unlike some people, I am actually capable of amending my beliefs and views as reasonable arguments and facts warrant. The manner in which I now formulate my beliefs is:God, I mean, Meleagar, in the past you stated the following:
(1) It pursues the moral good, either according to self-evident moral truths, or moral rules indicated by using logic to extrapolate from those self-evident moral truths
(2) It doesn't directly contradict any experiential facts in my experience
(3) Inasmuch as 1 & 2 allow, the belief aids in my enjoyment of my life.
When I wrote that previous post, I had no belief that morality was anything more than just a bunch of man-made, subjective rules. I've changed my mind due to logical argument and debate.
I suggest that instead of quoting what I say from over a year ago, you address what I am stating at the time I am presenting an argument, and in the context that I am making the argument, to avoid similar errors in the future.
I would be interested in hearing how you explain the atheistic basis for making discernments of "right" and "wrong" to your children. It has been my experience that as long as children are of an age where they do not think to question the fundamental basis and logic of moral principles in an FM atheist perspective, they do fairly well as far as conducting themselves in a morally responsible way, but in my experience this is usually because the child, up to a certain age, takes the parent's word on such things as a sort of god-like command. IOW, it's right because I say it's right.Just this week I received a note from my 13 year old son's civics teacher concerning his moral character in handling personal responsibility VS those of his peer group stating, "she'd never seen a child take such initiative and that I'd done a great job teaching him responsibility!" According to her, from previous experience, when the other children had the same difficulty, they expected her to correct the problem for them. BTW...my son is an atheist and has been chosen to not only be an ambassador to the new kids in school, but as a conflict resolution counselor. I'll add her note to the long list of compliments and certificates of achievements he (as well as my two other son's) have received.
However, as those children grow up and encounter broader and different arguments, as Joel Marks points out, the "Commander" basis for moral and ethical behavior eventually dissolves (at least for the more inqusitive and introspective young adults), leaving (IMO, from my experience with such children) no satisfactory basis for choices between right and wrong for FMA's.
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