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moral equivalency

created by VT_hawkeye

(idea) by VT_hawkeye (2.4 mon) (print)   ?   (I like it!) Thu Sep 13 2001 at 21:26:44

A theory based on moral relativism, stating that because it is impossible for one person to judge the morality of others (and their actions) that use a different moral system (the basic tenet of moral relativism), all people are therefore morally equal.

In my opinion, moral equivalency falls victim to the the same mis-assumption that characterizes secular Western humanism (and its offshoots), the assumption that human beings are inherently good. Intelligence does not imply morality; any sufficiently intelligent person or group can systematize evil and promulgate that system effectively given resources, at least until someone else intervenes. We've seen a few regimes like this in the 20th century.

Conservative commentator Cal Thomas wrote a column on 13 September 2001 (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/calthomas/ct20010913.shtml) entitled "The Death of Moral Equivalency", which partially inspired this node. While I don't really agree with all he says (or even his definition of moral equivalency), it's worth thinking about.


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chaos

moral relativism humanism moral equivalence Jebediah
Religion's contact with reality pin compatible September 13, 2001
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