Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/26/83; site ihuxn.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!tektronix!zehntel!ihnp4!ihuxn!ewp From: ewp@ihuxn.UUCP Newsgroups: net.philosophy Subject: The Golden Rule Message-ID: <276@ihuxn.UUCP> Date: Thu, 7-Jul-83 13:01:47 EDT Article-I.D.: ihuxn.276 Posted: Thu Jul 7 13:01:47 1983 Date-Received: Sat, 9-Jul-83 12:55:45 EDT Organization: BTL Naperville, Il. Lines: 53 This appeared in a recent article: It has been suggested that we use a form of the Golden Rule as a basis for morality. As I take it, the Golden rule (GR) says: "Do unto others what you would like them to do unto you." Does this mean that a worshipper of the Crocodile god is intended to go about sacrificing everyone in sight to his god, simply because (for him) that is the ultimate bliss, and he really wishes someone would sacrifice him? Should a heroin addict go and shoot up everyone he can find, since he would *love* to have a fix himself? Like all oversimplifications, this one falls far short of being a solid basis for \anything/, let alone morality. Another form of the GR says "Do unto others as they would like to be done unto." Does this say that we must whip the masochist who begs for the favor? Should we go out and purchase drugs for the addict? Again, the GR falls apart. The "Golden Rule" is a maxim stating a principle to live by. It is not a literal formula. Maxims are not interpreted by taking a word-by-word examination. As an illustration, "A penny saved is a penny earned". 'No, it's not! A penny saved is a penny you already have, you don't earn another penny by saving it!' The way I interpret the Golden Rule, you should think of how your actions affect others, then do what would be in their interest also, to the extent that you would feel reasonable if the roles were reversed. Obviously it would be in your best interest if I sent you all my money, however, if our roles are reversed, I wouldn't think I could reasonably ask that of you so I don't feel obligated to do it. If I would see you having trouble starting your car in a parking lot because your battery was low, and one of us had jumper cables, and I had no pressing appointments, I should feel obliged to help you try to jump start your car. If the roles were reversed, it would be a reasonable request. Your examples of the masochist, heroin addict, and crocodile worshipper (an Izod preppie?) are examples where the action is not thought to be in the interest of the other person. Also, although no situation is given, it seems that these examples expect excessive trouble on your part if you are not into S&M, heroin, or crocodile worshipping. Ed Pawlak ihnp4!ihuxn!ewp