• ENOAH
    1k
    Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, might be problematic as a universal moral imperative. If taken literally and subjectively, which I think they should if the rule is to have its full effect,* then with a liberal interpretation of language, the imperative might conflict with Law.

    For example, if I, personally, were a rapist or sadistic murderer--remember, I am approaching this from the deep perspective of my present self, not that hypothetical, I, who is the rapist--I would want someone to kill me. Even if not because I am virtuous, but to put me out of my misery. So should I kill rapists and murderers, put them out of their misery?

    Or, again, it is the perspective of my present self, if I was absurdly wealthy, I'd want people, even strangers to take my money, if not to be compassionate, then to help ease the dissonance I'd feel from the absurdity. I have enough wealth say to pass on for generations of comfort. So does that mean I should take the money of a ridiculously wealthy billionaire, help ease the dissonance from the absurdity of it?


    * why not metaphorically is probably obvious. Why not objectively is because (Although the real historical first speaker is lost to us) it seems the "intent" of the rule is to have us act like a human, and take a step and dig deep into our own needs and fears when we are faced with a moral dilemma.
  • T Clark
    16.1k
    For example, if I, personally, were a rapist or sadistic murderer--remember, I am approaching this from the deep perspective of my present self, not that hypothetical, I, who is the rapist--I would want someone to kill me.ENOAH

    Sorry, this is silly. Treating someone in the manner you’d like to be treated yourself means to treat them with respect and compassion in the same way any normal person would like to be treated.

    Rigid over-literalness is one of the things that gives philosophy it’s deserved bad reputation.
  • Tom Storm
    10.8k
    Yes, that’s the response I have often given to this common objection.
  • ENOAH
    1k
    ,

    Sorry, this is sillyT Clark

    No, Im sorry. I didn't even realize it was a common objection and was just putting it out there.

    In retrospect....
  • LuckyR
    717
    The Golden rule was supplanted by the Platinum rule awhile back for just this sort of "reasoning", namely, do unto other as they would have would have done to themselves.
  • Tom Storm
    10.8k
    No, Im sorry. I didn't even realize it was a common objection and was just putting it out there.ENOAH

    No need to be sorry, some clever people have put forward this argument over the years. And it shows up on this site every now and then.

    Some still accept it has value.

    I've usually held that the Golden Rule isn’t about everyone liking the same things; it’s about considering the other person’s preferences and needs. It asks us to use empathy and respect for other's perspectives and preferences, rather than imposing your own tastes.

    While I'm in agreement, I’m not sure it’s a principle I follow. For me, morality doesn’t require codifications or prescriptive rules like this.
  • Alexander Hine
    88
    Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, might be problematic as a universal moral imperative.ENOAH

    I mean as a maxim it has quite a lot of ill defined scope for what actions you may actually do unto others.

    I ask if there's a fundamental axis of meaning from the original text, and culture and historical context, that this maxim is lifted?
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