Re: Logic makes a comeback: morality and materialism

Steve Clark (ssclark@facstaff.wisc.edu)
Thu, 29 May 1997 13:05:14 -0500

At 08:35 PM 5/28/97 -0600, Russell wrote:

SC
>>I don't want to be hurt
>>I don't want anyone else to be hurt
>>The things that I don't want to happen to me or other people are wrong.
>>
>>Therefore, inflicting hurt is wrong.
>>
>>Does this encapsulate your argument, Russel?

RS
>It's in the same vein, but a little too oversimplified. I'd rather stick
>with my original argument.

I agree that your original argument was more comprehensive, but the logic
behind it is summarized by the above syllogism. The point that I want to
make is that this type of logic is not sufficient to build a rational
argument for morality. Simply change "hurt" to "eating chocolate" and the
logic makes no sense since we all recognize that eating chocolate is
generally not a moral issue.

Cheers,

Steve
____________________________________________________________
Steven S. Clark, Ph.D . Phone: 608/263-9137
Associate Professor FAX: 608/263-4226
Dept. of Human Oncology and Email: ssclark@facstaff.wisc.edu
UW Comprehensive Cancer Center
CSC K4-432
600 Highland Ave.
Madison, WI 53792

"Universities are full of knowledge; the freshmen bring a little in,
the seniors take none away...the knowledge accumulates." Mark Twain
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