Morality is difficult to ground in anything objective. Our sense is that morality is not arbitrary or relative, but most proposed systems of morality (Utilitarianism, Deontology) are subject to criticism that precludes the system from universal application. — Ryan B
Rule-based systems are destined to fail because there is always a conflict between consequences and duties, utilitarianism and deontology. General principles will always conflict with particulars, and vice versa. — Ryan B
No, modern-day morality incorporates 7,000 years of cross-cultural thought and experience but has refined the concepts through a dialectical process. — Ryan B
An independent rational actor occupying the original position is forced to conclude that all human life is equal because they face the possibility of occupying any future social position. — Ryan B
What is it that makes even the religious and conservatives more liberal and tolerant than at any previous point in history? — Ryan B
By what other means, other than through reason, can we, for example, ignore or reject the barbaric parts of scripture and retain the good? The basis of our selection of verses to follow from scripture cannot come from scripture itself; it must come from outside of the text, from a moral philosophy grounded in reason. — Ryan B
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