What is wrong- the act or the intention itself is wrong? There are two forms of morality to see, one to be seen in terms of values and the other in the terms of utilitarian. This means that an act is wrong insofar that it is something that contravenes the values of the times or the morality of the social being. The others say no act, no harm. This means that so long as nothing is done, even the "thought" exist, the act is not committed and therefore the greater good rule is not contravene, and therefore it is not "wrong".
The first is based on an absolute good and evil basis which rests on an iron clad morality which presupposes that evil thoughts exist alongside benevolent thoughts. The thought itself is a precursor to the act. But what if we do act the thought out- are we any wrong- this rule itself is also a subset of the utilitarian rule which prevents harm to the majority before the act, just in case the thought is the seed to greater evil.
The second one rests upon practical terms where, the thought must be act out before it can be considered as "wrong". Thinking about it is wrong, but it is a lesser evil than actually doing it. Hence it is condone insofar that it does not lead to an actual act leading to a greater harm. This means that no harm is done, and why should we actually act upon it. This means acting on the thought itself is against greater good insofar that it prevents human agency which is the bedrock of modern society and many inventions and innovations in life.
Both "wrong-ness" is based on context which means that there is no hard and fast rule regarding what is wrong and right and it is based on what is better than what is wrong and what is right. The first ensures that no harm is done to a greater number of people, the second have to balance what is good and what is better.
Good and Evil is rest upon one simple idea which rests upon this that is wrong, is wrong and what is right is right. Then the above rule is not relevant whatsoever.
Who decides and for whose interest then is the question. When broken down, it is no longer morality but a matter of science and art.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
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