Profile for realbumpbert

Error message

Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /var/www/pied-piper.ermarian.net/includes/common.inc).

Field	Value
Displayed name	realbumpbert
Member number	2786
Title	Apprentice
Postcount	18
Homepage
Registered	Monday, March 17 2003 08:00

Recent posts

Author	Recent posts
Why? in General
realbumpbert Apprentice Member # 2786	written Tuesday, January 6 2004 18:31 Profile #79 I guess I AM a utilitarian, then. :) -------------------- Working on it... Posts: 18 \| Registered: Monday, March 17 2003 08:00
Free Will in General
realbumpbert Apprentice Member # 2786	written Tuesday, January 6 2004 12:40 Profile #2 quote: If physical laws do not absolutely govern everything in a predictable way (not necessarily predictable to us, just predictable), then we probably have free will, as per the quantum uncertainty. If not, then the universe runs like clockwork. That's essentially my opinion. However, 'free will' in the form of quantum uncertainty isn't really the same as what most people mean when they say 'free will', IMO. -------------------- Working on it... Posts: 18 \| Registered: Monday, March 17 2003 08:00
Why? in General
realbumpbert Apprentice Member # 2786	written Tuesday, January 6 2004 12:29 Profile #77 quote: Actually, if by "respecting the interests of all others" you mean striking a balance between acting in the interests of others and avoiding acting against the interests of others, that's pretty much what utilitarianism is. If that's not what you mean, I apologise; feel free to clarify yourself. Perhaps you're right. Utilitarianism more usually manifests itself as 'greatest happiness for the greatest number', which is seriously flawed. But maybe I've just been exposed to a narrow range of possible moralities that fit the word 'utilitarian'. Anyhoo, that rule I mentioned necessitates veganism for me; nice to see another vegan, Militant! I'll address some of the arguments against it... quote: Ever heard of free-range? Factory farming doesn't necessitate veganism. It almost does. True cruelty-free animal agriculture is extremely rare. In any case, eating animals is still killing them. quote: Many animals found in the farming industry depend on the farming industry for survival. Whilst cows and pigs might just about get by, with a lot of depredation from predators, sheep are unlikely to do too well without sheperds and wild chickens just result in fat foxes (studies show that the greatest cause of death amongst pheasants raised for shooting is from foxes.) I don't see how that is relevant. Any change in consumer spending will come about gradually, and veganism (if it catches hold) will effect a slow change in the animal industry. There will never be an overnight release of all farm-animals. quote: To summarise, I see universal veganism as morally doubtful and since predators will eat anyway, I don't see that it makes sense for me to stop. Hmm, I think that needs clarification. Morally doubtful? How's that? And what do the actions of predators have to do with our habits? That argument could be easily altered to excuse murder. quote: Also, what would be your opinion of animal testing to find a cure for conditions such as Alzheimers? It all depends; morality isn't absolute. If the animals were treated well and there was a near-certain payoff, I'd probably support experimentation. EDIT: More about my personal beliefs: I'm not among the vegans who believe life is sacred. Like I've said, morality doesn't exist. I choose, however, to respect the interest of others, be they pencils, clouds, people, or squids. Luckily for me, pencils and clouds have no interests. Neither do plants. But conscious animals have a vested interest in life and I try to respect that; my own interest in temporary satisfaction of the taste buds is trivial. Especially since I can fulfill it through eating quinoa chole instead of calamari or fellow humans. [ Tuesday, January 06, 2004 12:48: Message edited by: realbumpbert ] -------------------- Working on it... Posts: 18 \| Registered: Monday, March 17 2003 08:00
Why? in General
realbumpbert Apprentice Member # 2786	written Monday, January 5 2004 17:53 Profile #66 Morality does not exist, period. It's a subjective concept, and is made by humans. However, I try to be moral anyway and so do most people I know. My baseline ethic is "Respect the interests of all others as best you can." Works better than utilitarianism and the golden rule, IMO. Therefore I think that the closest approximation of 'evil' I can come up with is an action that violates the precept I mentioned above. -------------------- Working on it... Posts: 18 \| Registered: Monday, March 17 2003 08:00
Why? in General
realbumpbert Apprentice Member # 2786	written Saturday, January 3 2004 14:59 Profile #51 Heh, I like this question. It doesn't have an answer, though. Meaning and purpose are subjective. There are two possible answers in a logical universe: a) Nothing, and b) whatever you want. -------------------- Working on it... Posts: 18 \| Registered: Monday, March 17 2003 08:00