Help with my Ethics Assignment..

[MolsonInBothHands]

Originally Posted by Mayer

Sorry guys, I should have clarified the very first question. It's supposed to mean sex "before" marriage. At least thats what I assume it means. Christians believe sex outside of marriage (whether that be before, or during) is wrong, so I can only assume thats what he meant.

Sorry for the confusion.

Where are you attending this ethics class?

[Devils'Advocate]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
It is clearly easier to get than sex inside of marriage?

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
No answer. Because what two consenting adults do to find happiness in this world should be of no consequence of mine. I'm not pro. I'm not con. I have no business saying one way or the other.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Depends on the day. Most days I am pro-choice. When kids are running around the grocery store screaming and throwing produce, I'm pro-abortion.

However, if you skip down to #4, I think it is a moral absolute that it is wrong to cause suffering for no reason except your own selfish needs. Then the question becomes when does a fetus become able to suffer. My own personal definition of being able to suffer - at a bare minimum is being able to feel pain. I don't know how old a fetus must be to feel pain, but I can say that I am against late stage abortions on that grounds.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Sure. Causing suffering for no reason except your own selfish needs.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Eat, drink and be merry. Hrm. How's that for LaVeyan Satanism? How about eat, drink and be merry and work towards a world where everyone else has the opportunity to do the same. I don't think that one would meet Anton's approval.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
It's in my fiction bookcase. Not real interesting reading either. Almost anything by Vonnegut is better.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
No. Humanist. There doesn't seem to be a Humanist church in the area. Maybe I should build one.

[evman150]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

Fine.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Nothing wrong whatsoever.

3. What are your views on abortion?

A woman's right.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Yes.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

To reproduce. Evolutionarily, that is our singular goal in life. On a deeper level there exist other goals in life like being a good person, being happy etc. But really those are not responses to the question. The only correct answer is my first answer.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

It is a good control device to keep the idiots in the world from murdering each other. Intrinsically, it has no value.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Not once in my life.

I'm an Ethics minor, for what it's worth. So I enjoy stuff like this.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
No. Humanist. There doesn't seem to be a Humanist church in the area. Maybe I should build one.

We do have meetings:

http://www.calgaryhumanist.ca/index.html

[troutman]

Originally Posted by evman150

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

To reproduce. Evolutionarily, that is our singular goal in life. On a deeper level there exist other goals in life like being a good person, being happy etc. But really those are not responses to the question. The only correct answer is my first answer.

What if you can't have children? Does your life have no meaning?

I think my answer would be that "it takes a village" to raise a child, and we all can contribute to the survival and betterment of our species.

[Devils'Advocate]

BTW - I'll probably be bitch-slapped by a moderator again for going off topic, but here is one that was put to me in one my ethics classes.

Submarine suffers mechanical problem and sinks to ocean floor. Rescue radios to them that they can't get to them for 4 days and they calculate that there is only enough air for his 8 member crew to last 2 days. The captain poisons the three crew members with no children and then swallows the poison himself. The 4 other crew members are just barely rescued in time. The Navy determines the captain committed murder and postmortumly give him a dishonourable discharge and no state funeral. Are they right or wrong?

[Cube Inmate]

Interesting that most of the answers to #5 tend to be answering the question, "what is the purpose of your life?" Sure, any individual can say that (one of) his purpose(s) is to propagate the species or to be happy...but is there a purpose for the very existence of life in the first place? One answer I've heard is that the very existence of the universe requires that there be some form of conscious life to contemplate its existence. Otherwise, it would be a situation like the tree that falls in the woods. If there's nobody around to perceive the universe, does it actually exist?

Pardon my philosophising. There was just something about all of these answers that made me think of the bigger picture.

[Winsor_Pilates]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Go for it. We are naturally sexual beings. Just be careful and try not to hurt people.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
Fine by me, especially hot lesbians

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Shouldn't be used as birth control or encouraged. I believe in a womans choice but it is a tough complex issue and each case is different. Should be allowed, but taken very seriously.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Not moral, but other absolutes. Certain emotions, connections and urges are absolutes but not morals.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
The purpose of life is to find purpose in life. There is no true purpose, only what is true to an indivdiual.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
A book of fiction written on mostly good and some bad foundations. Should play the role of a classic piece of literature that can teach us lessons and stories.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
No. Only for weddings.



Good luck with your assignment

[SeeGeeWhy]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

If it is before getting married - it is okay. After you are married, not okay.


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2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Everyone has the right to get it wet.


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3. What are your views on abortion?

It should be employed as early as possible and only in cases where either the baby, the mother, or both are in serious health risk if the pregnancy continues; or if the child was conceived as the result of a rape or sexual abuse.


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4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

No.


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5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Life is how God created itself.


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6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?


It is a book that I have never read, yet it is so constantly in my face and is the source of so much garbage in this world that I do not think that I ever will read it, or open myself to people on a level that will leave me open to discuss it's "teachings".


--

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?


No.

[evman150]

Originally Posted by troutman

What if you can't have children? Does your life have no meaning?

I think my answer would be that "it takes a village" to raise a child, and we all can contribute to the survival and betterment of our species.

If you cannot reproduce, your life has no purpose in the grand scheme of things, yes. But that is selling life short. One can still make themselves a great life independent of our evolutionary goal. But by not being able to reproduce, technically you're a failure as a human. Doesn't mean you can't still do a lot of good in the world though.

Originally Posted by Cube Inmate

One answer I've heard is that the very existence of the universe requires that there be some form of conscious life to contemplate its existence.

Sorry, but this is total BS. Not sure where you heard this. Sounds like 100 Huntley Street or the 700 Club or something.

The tree falling in the forest does make a sound. This is not quantum mechanics, observation doesn't change anything.

[Dion]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Personaly i've never been interested in wham bam thank you mam's, one night stands', or bumping uglies with a gal from a bar after 2am. Not my style and never will be. Unless it's a loving commited relationship, i'm not interested.


2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I see no problems with it. I have uncle who's gay and i treat him no different than anyone else. Frankly, it's none of my business how other people live thier lives. I do detest the fact that religious people and organizations try to make other people's business their own. I hate the bigotry that organized religion spews.


3. What are your views on abortion?
I believe in a mothers right to choose. Still i'd rather the life be saved and be put up for adoption, if the mother decides she doesn't want that child. I equate abortion to killing. That said i can understand why in certain cases why abortion is done - pregnancy due to a rape.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Yes, I believe there are some moral absolutes. One being killing another human being, with the other being, causing someone else to suffer physical pain and suffering.


5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
It's my belief that we are brought into this world to complete certain tasks. And when they are done we are taken away. It's my way of coming to grips with what appears to be a cruel world and the questions that surround why some are taken early in their lives while others live to a ripe old age. That and I also believe we here to help one another.


6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
If anything I think it teaches some good morals and values that we can follow. How it plays in the lives of people should be up to the person individualy. Nothing worse than someone or some religious organization trying to force their beliefs on you and the rest of the world. Freedom of choice is my belief.


7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
I used to be a member and attended on a regular basis. Later left the church due to the hypocrisy within. Too much condemnation and not enough forgiveness. A reflection that I believe encompasses organized religion today. You don't need to attend a church to practice your beliefs.

[Cube Inmate]

Originally Posted by evman150

The tree falling in the forest does make a sound. This is not quantum mechanics, observation doesn't change anything.

Oh yeah? Prove it!

It's philosophy, bud, not science. Metaphysics, not quantum physics. When science can definitively answer the question "what's the meaning of life?"--then you can call my 100 Huntley Street philosophy BS. Until then, it's a matter for debate, not bullspit-calling.

[Weiser Wonder]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

I think it is a good thing.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Same rights as anyone else.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Should be readily available in the first trimester. Definitely pro-choice.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

No, not really. I believe you treat others as you wish to be treated but beyond that there are no absolutes.


5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Make connections with other people.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

Good for lessons and insight into humanity. Not to be taken as fact.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Yes. 5 or 6 times a year.

[Mayer]

Originally Posted by MolsonInBothHands

Where are you attending this ethics class?

I'm a Music Major (Guitar) at Rocky Mountain College here in town, and this class is one of the required classes to complete my degree.

[Berger_4_]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

Go for gold man. It's fine as long as it isn't adultery.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

As long as you aren't putting on gay pride parades or are a flaming homosexual, I couldn't care less...especially if it's 2 chicks.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

After a certain length of time, it shouldn't be allowed unless there are some complications that prevent the pregnancy from being successful.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Yes. Nobody has the right to take the life of another person.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Live it to the fullest, make a bunch of wee little ones to carry on where you left off...actually...no. I really don't think there is a purpose to life. We're all basically ants. We all work for the good of the colony, but if some of us die, it doesn't affect the colony as a whole.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

Well, I'd like to think that there's a God, so I'd like to think it's true. As for a role...I don't know if in today's world it really can. Things have advanced so much that it's a rather outdated book now.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

I know I should, but I never do, barring funerals, weddings etc.

[MarchHare]

It is a book that I have never read, yet it is so constantly in my face and is the source of so much garbage in this world that I do not think that I ever will read it, or open myself to people on a level that will leave me open to discuss it's "teachings".

Oh, but you're missing out! As an atheist who has actually read much of the Bible, it's alarming how contradictory it is to so-called "Christian values". I'm more familiar with the Bible than most Christians I know, which has served me well in many a religious debate. Here's a good example of some particular hilarity, as found in chapter 19 of the book of Genesis. Lot, the lone "righteous" man in the "wicked" city of Sodom tries to talk a group of homosexuals out of gang-raping two angels by freely offering his virgin daughters to the mob instead.

Originally Posted by Genesis 19:6-8

I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...9;&version=31;

That's always a good passage to mention anytime a Christian talks about the Bible teaching strong family values.

It's also worth noting that God later commits mass genocide against Sodom and Gomorrah, murdering the entire population of both cities with the exception of Lot and his daughters.

[Edit]
Oh, and I nearly forgot...after Lot and his daughters fled the genocide, they got him drunk and took advantage of him, both getting knocked-up in the process.

Originally Posted by Genesis 19:30-36

Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. One day the older daughter said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is no man around here to lie with us, as is the custom all over the earth. Let's get our father to drink wine and then lie with him and preserve our family line through our father."

That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and lay with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

The next day the older daughter said to the younger, "Last night I lay with my father. Let's get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and lie with him so we can preserve our family line through our father." So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went and lay with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

So both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father.

Family values indeed!

[evman150]

Originally Posted by Cube Inmate

Oh yeah? Prove it!

It's philosophy, bud, not science. Metaphysics, not quantum physics. When science can definitively answer the question "what's the meaning of life?"--then you can call my 100 Huntley Street philosophy BS. Until then, it's a matter for debate, not bullspit-calling.

I know the difference between science and philosophy "bud". In fact I am in a unique position in that regard given my schooling. My major/minor is Astronomy/Applied Ethics. So I think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to the difference between the two fields.

Science has answered the question. The answer is to propogate the species, just like it is for an ant, a cheetah and a bacterium.

The tree makes a sound. Look up how sound works. All it requires is a medium and an event to cause the sound. Nothing about observation. That is science. Questioning that is not "metaphysics", it is pseudoscience, aka bull****.

[photon]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

I think the boundry of marriage itself isn't necessary, however it does provide some framework to other things that constitue a healthy relationship that sexual activity can be a component of.

However part of me does regret not going to Cancun for spring break

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

In the context of the relationship itself it is fine. In the context of society I can understand some of the concerns posted by opponents about the affect on society as a whole but I don't think they're significant enough to warrant any kind of intervention by society, at least not without much more information.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

I think it's highly unfortunate that it's so commonplace; I would have hoped people would avail themselves of all the alternatives. If it was me, I would choose to put the child up for adoption. However I don't think it's "wrong".

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

I think that there are some universal moral standards, but wouldn't go so far as to call them absolutes. Some things we, as a species or as sentient beings, should have as minimum standards of behaviour. But I'm also pragmatic and sometimes these things might not apply, or might need to bend so I don't want to call them absolutes.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

As a species I think mostly our purpose is to exist and procreate. But to me that gives each member a purpose; to facilitate and either not hinder or better yet assist in that larger purpose. My purpose is to improve things for my progeny, or at the very least not make it worse.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

I think the Bible is simply a book written by men to express themselves, their thoughts, ideas, morals, troubles, etc. I think it is worthy of study and has some excellent points. "Should" is a difficult thing though, that assumes that there's some way to measure the positive and negative effects of a role, and I'm not sure there is. What role do I think it should play, I think it's an important thing and worthy of being studied.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

I still do, but not very often, I would like to find a church more focused on real things.

[underGRADFlame]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
- No problems with it, I wish i was getting more of it!

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
- Whatever floats your boat boys, if your happy, I'm happy for you.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
- As long as it's not used as a method of birth control by stupid people, it's called a condom use it, it's a woman choice.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
- Grey, it's all grey.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
- Hookers and blow....... or simply to procreate.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
- If you need a book to tell you how to live your life so be it, but don't expect me to follow blindly.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
- On christmas, to make mother happy.

[Ashartus]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of (before) marriage?
Fine by me, so long as you're responsible and mature enough to accept any potential consequences.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
Don't really care, but I'd rather they didn't make out in public (for the record I don't like straight couples making out in public either)

3. What are your views on abortion?
I think the key question is at what stage do you get the right to life? But I don't have the answer to that. I'd rather not see it used as birth control though.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Yes

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Does there have to be one?

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
Lots of good lessons in it; too bad many people abuse it.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Very rarely.