How does one become more aware of the subtle levels of morality on a personal rather than global level? E.g. Is it wrong to tell a mutual friend about the private aspirations of another? Why? Why should using someone for their own advantage be wrong? (Please provide your own examples and explanations - in basic terms - so that I can understand, thank you)\nAre there any tangible sources from which to learn?
202798
Ok, this is the thing. As far as morality is concerned there is no real right and wrong. That is totally determined by the person who is in the situation. Society has a grander scale on which they see things as right or wrong but then again society doesn't enter into this question.
454056
...very good question.\n\nyes....to both. it do exist...and it is a selling point of the wonders of law and human relationships but that it is not actually entirely accepted by all others because of social conditions and values established by what people do secretly to gain power and further social acceptance.\n\nbe very careful of what you speak to others...(try to be respectful of your self interests and whom you share with ..)\n\ntake it from someone who knows this topic inside and out from a human relationships viewing point....standing point. .... what you say with good purpose and intent (but may not say so well out of realizations of fear and shock or with full realization of facts or conditions of self or other...) .... yes freedom of expression exists....but that you may have to love others whom fear freedoms of expressions so that all may see its benefits....even those who hide their values and practices behind it.\n\nit is god given and not to be taken away...not by any person ...not with gun or with paper on wall.\n\nfear may be used to silence the child...but fear cannot steal the soul. set your mind free...know you are eternal life.\n\nbe well all ways
137742
Morality is a personal choice issue.  You have to decide what it is you believe in and how strongly you believe in it.  It is your life and it is time for you to start laying the foundation for your future and how you want others to see you.
106414
I concur.  I feel like adherence to a prescribed moral principle removes personal responsibility.  I've felt that way (only perhaps less eloquent!) since I was eight.  If you are a good person because you adhere to the Bible / church values unquestioningly, you aren't actually a good person.  You are only truly good if you are the person choosing your own behavior.  I think fundamentally it boils down to manners - in greater or lesser dimensions.
582994
I think you make some interesting points - words definitely have limitations for the definer and the interpretter.  Its always a rhetoric game and only real thieves hide behind definitions to justify their actions.  As for morality - this is not a truth - it is a social norm - and each society determines what is or isn't moral based on their level of consciousness.  As long as we are trapped in words - we are limiting our consciousness.
177131
I'm the type of person who truly believes in people respecting the privacy of others, and in minding their own business.\n\nI, too, have read negative comments on various cultures and religions, and some of them are very cruel.  I would  prefer to learn about the activities of others, rather than go with negative thoughts about things which I have no knowledge.\n\nWhat's making it hard for people on this site, is that they are made to feel that they have to "defend themselves" from all the negative, and bigoted questions and answers.
502183
I agree with you.  It does shed a light on why we have to stick up for our own.  Have you read these books?\nThe Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation by Matt Ridley\n\nThe Science of Good and Evil: Why People Cheat, Gossip, Care, Share, and Follow the Golden Rule by Michael Shermer
327710
(m)\n\nFriendship\nFriendship, as understood here, is a distinctively personal relationship that is grounded in a concern on the part of each friend for the welfare of the other, for the other's sake, and that involves some degree of intimacy. As such, friendship is undoubtedly central to our lives, in part because the special concern we have for our friends must have a place within a broader set of concerns, including moral concerns, and in part because our friends can help shape who we are as persons. Given this centrality, important questions arise concerning the justification of friendship and, in this context, whether it is permissible to “trade up” when someone new comes along, as well as concerning the possibility of reconciling the demands of friendship with the demands of morality in cases in which the two seem to conflict.\n\n1. mutual caring\n2. intimacy\n3. shared activity\n4. Trusting\n\nthese are the very very important things in friendship
487170
I measure a persons "worth" by some very basic standards; are they a man or woman of their word, do they take full responsibility for their own actions both good and bad, do they maintain their integrity in all situations or practice "situational ethics" and believe that the end justifies the means? It boils down to people that I trust vs. people that I would never turn my back on. And yes, on a practical everyday basis we have every right to place value on another human being. They all have every right to exist, but they're not entitled to be "valued" by anybody, thats an earned right.
465351
I'm not sure I exactly understand the supposition you're making.  In general, however, I would argue that moral and legal can be viewed as a Venn diagram - an act can be both, one of the other, or neither.  We probably wouldn't want it any other way, actually - hence the saying that "you can't legislate morality."
500020
I did try to discuss this topic with "Ouzian" in IM, to no avail.  Her claims of worries that her posts will be deleted show her persistence, fortitude, and concern.  ( I commend you for these projections of qualities, but)  The obvious glaring of extreme need to spread this word, this message, is shown by her >>(assumption based on avatar), other postings regarding the same subject.  It is also very clear that what her expressions convey in regards to this matter, are sprinkled with her fears.  And I also feel that based upon her posts, her links, and her blog information, that she wishes and intends to spread these fears.  It is clear, this fear does, as she does mention, help rule, and control.  (And I do agree with this).  There are many ways to control, or govern, a mass of people, and, some of these ways to govern have proven to be effective, and some very ineffective. (In regards to the best way for ALL social situations which we as a human race on earth face today-and there are many)  But the mystery truly is not what lies beneath Ouzians belief, and its possibility of validity, not at all!  The real mystery is why then does she not wish to participate in discussions in IM, or through other modes of correspondence with others, like myself, who show EFFORT in wishes to participate, and listen, in the direct concern towards her messages of understanding or beliefs, that could possibly lead to other followers of her belief, and help her cause?   (Persistence, fortitude and concern?)  To me this lack of communication shows contradiction in motive, shows lack of intitiative, NO EFFORT, and therefore, PROVES that some great "efforts" without real ACTION, are, like time does prove some things to be, ineffective, and, it is like trying to climb to the top of a pole that is covered in grease. (wasted energy).  I have many, many opinions in regards to what is going on in the world today, and have even been very expressive of these opinions to many people, through many modes of expression, and have always welcomed any open discussion to help people see the good, and bad, in different ways of having things work, globally.  (Because obviously, some things just don't work-that pole thing again.)   At this stage of the game, the most important thing is to keep the big-picture in mind, the long-haul.  Strengths and Weaknesses,  Problems and Solutions.   So, please help me understand then, Ouzian, why do you run so very, very fast, but insist on doing so by running in place?  Ineffective.  My real question to YOUR question, since I have already answered, and I will find it fair that YOU do not breach MY allowance in expression on the matter which you brought forth, in public forum, and at hand, now being met with discussion, as you wish-is that true mystery- Why did you even bother to post this?
168720
If the perspective is to have meaning all must take the good with the bad, which is in my opinion subjective to the individual. This format allows for serious and let's call it not so inspired questions and responses and doesn't discriminate between the positions. If one considers that there are an incredible number of variables inter playing; as you so aptly alluded to in your question it is fair to express that the less inspired frame the more focused which allows the message that fits to sparkle like a diamond washed up from the mud.I hope this has helped to explain my point, I apologize for the metaphor, habits are hard to break. My final thought on your excellent question is this, it is a gift that we can give ourselves when we refuse to let ourselves be offended by others; this is not to say we should tolerate abuse; but when we forgive those who would annoy us for their own reasons we liberate or rather free ourselves to explore other more productive thoughts. Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts, I hope all goes well in you life.
566819
Isn't it curious that our understanding of good and bad are meant to originate in Adam and Eve's great 'sin'? That the 'sin' they committed was wanting to learn about their surroundings instead of just blindly saying 'my Father told me not to touch it, so ı won't touch it'?\n\nIn normal life, we call that growing up. We call it learning for yourself. And it's humanity's greatest single trait.\n\nIf it was the devil, in the form of a snake, that convinced Adam and Eve to open their eyes and question their surroundings, and if it was God who arbitrarily said 'look but don't touch', here is my question:\n\nWhich one of them should we give praise to?
40027
A person's response does not determine their value system, it is determined BY their value system (possibly).\n\nWhy do you want to manipulate others via knowledge of their value systems?
497019
How can focusing on helping someone be unethical? I have seen the movie, and I found it incredibly touching that his parents were willing to do anything to help him. Yes they took a risk. But, what was the risk? He didn't have much quality of life, nor did he have much time left. Would you do any less? So if the risk was that they would cause more serious problems, how could they be any worse than what he was currently afflicted with?
613710
Interesting you should ask that.There was a study not too long ago that determined that if a person 'had orders' from a person perceived as a higher up, they would inflict a substantial amount of pain on another human being.It's also human nature to want to remove those that are perceived as different.Culling the herd, as it were.Modern technology just enables us to 'cull the herd' more efficiently.I think that one way towards regaining some semblance of sanity is to educate a person as thoroughly as possible, and teach them that what works for 1 person might not work for another, but they are entitled to a basic level of respect by virtue of being a human.
217098
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjG9JD.KVal.bdKeiwAFoI3sy6IX?qid=1006042913532\n\nall of these people judge on first appearances. in conclusion, everybodys egos are the first thing to get ahead. so do you really care what they have to say?? i wouldn't, because anything out of the norm, anyone who ventures into the unknown plane that is taboo for society, is wrong and harmful. i CHOOSE not to judge people on first anything.