Citizen Publius Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Ok guys remind me again what's the point of this thread? Other than the interesting discussion with Inspector, which was actually off topic anyways? That's a good question. I just figured that this would be a good place to jump in and get my feet wet. I think it's really just a word salad. I am moving on as the blue cheese is so deep that it is coming over the top of my boots and beginning to discolor my socks....or is it ranch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punk Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Philosophy provides the structure by which one approaches the problem. Consider science. The scientific method requires one specify certain things before science can procede: 1. What exactly constitutes a scientific observation 2. How one analyzes data 3. How one extracts a result from the data set 4. How one establishes confidence in the data set etc. These are fundamentally philosophical questions which are prior to scientific inquiry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Citizen Publius Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Philosophy provides the structure by which one approaches the problem. Consider science. The scientific method requires one specify certain things before science can procede: 1. What exactly constitutes a scientific observation 2. How one analyzes data 3. How one extracts a result from the data set 4. How one establishes confidence in the data set etc. These are fundamentally philosophical questions which are prior to scientific inquiry. Thanks punk. 'Looks like you have things well in hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick N. Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 This thread has been illuminating for me. I had thought that all values and choices were a matter of ethics. After thinking about the arguments in this thread, I have realized that in fact some choices (such as what flavor of ice cream to have) are optional. I learned something useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Capitalist Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 Also remember that, although in some cases it doesn't matter what choice you make, it still often matters how you make it. So ethics is rarely completely absent in issues like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurgessLau Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 After thinking about the arguments in this thread, I have realized that in fact some choices (such as what flavor of ice cream to have) are optional. Here is what I am wrestling with: What is the most concise "formula" for deciding when a particular issue is optional or an ethical decision? A choice is optional when ... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_speicher Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 Here is what I am wrestling with: What is the most concise "formula" for deciding when a particular issue is optional or an ethical decision? But the "optional" is not opposed to the "ethical." A choice is optional when ... ? ... when there are two or more alternatives, each consistent with the fundamental values that you hold. So, for instance, in Objectivism, productivity is not an optional choice, but the choice of one's productive career is optional, within a range of appropriate values and considerations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick N. Posted December 20, 2004 Report Share Posted December 20, 2004 Here is what I am wrestling with: What is the most concise "formula" for deciding when a particular issue is optional or an ethical decision? A choice is optional when ... ? I have been wrestling with the same issue. The best solution I could come up with is that an issue or choice is optional when the outcome will not impact any of one's core values in any meaningful way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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