Archive for July, 2010
Would I Save My Dog or the President?
Statement If my dog and the president were both drowning and I could only save one, I would save my dog even though it would be better for the world if I saved the president. Q1 Analysis This statement does not violate Q1 if you do not consider human life inherently more valuable than animal [...]
Would I Save My Child or the President?
Statement If my child and the president were both drowning and I could only save one, I would save my child even though it would be better for the world if I saved the president. Q1 Analysis This statement is likely a Q1 violation if you believe that when given a choice you must choose [...]
Should Children Be Protected?
Statement Society has a certain amount of responsibility for children, and sometimes society’s responsibility overrides the rights of the child’s parents. Q1 Analysis This is not a Q1 violation unless you believe that your parental rights are inalienable. Q2 Analysis This is not a Q2 violation unless you object to others reasoning as you do [...]
Should the Disadvantaged Be Protected?
Statement We should make inexpensive (or free) goods and services available to the poor. Q1 Analysis This may be a Q1 violation if you have general objections to charity or socialism. Q2 Analysis If you are offering these goods and services yourself and believe others should do likewise, there is no Q2 violation. If you [...]
Is It Wrong to Cheat on My Spouse?
Statement I’m not fulfilled at home, so I’m helping my marriage by having an affair. Q1 Analysis This is a Q1 violation if you consider your marriage vow binding or if "helping your marriage" is just a thinly veiled excuse to have an affair. Q2 Analysis This is a Q2 violation if you would not [...]
Can It Be More Moral to Do Nothing?
Statement If someone is in excruciating terminal pain, you can let them die but you can’t kill them. Q1 Analysis This may be a Q1 violation if you think that letting someone die is murder or you are against euthanasia or allowing extreme suffering. Q2 Analysis This is a Q2 violation if you would want [...]
Can I Be Blamed for Harm Someone Else Does?
Statement I wouldn’t have stolen your car if you hadn’t left your keys in it. Q1 Analysis This is not a Q1 violation if you are willing to accept blame (or a portion of the blame) for bad actions that involve you, even if you had no intention of doing anything wrong. It may not [...]
Hands Off! (Redux)
Message from the IAmAnAtheist.com feedback form. I read your message threatening you with child molestation for corresponding to the teenage girl. I agree that the letter writer went too far in making unsumbstantiated threats, but I also think that people leaving comments and you are not really looking at the whole picture here. If you [...]
In: Dealing with religious folks
Hands off!
Message received via private e-mail: I have discovered that you have written to my daughter and encouraged her to ‘explore’ atheism. She is going through a very confused time and you certainly have tried to take benefit from her vulnerability. We are very aware that the internet is a dangerous place for children but are [...]
Must I Treat Friends Better than I Treat Strangers?
Statement I expect my friends to help me when I’m in need. Q1 Analysis This is not a Q1 violation unless you believe that people can never be morally compelled to help others or you poorly define "friend." Q2 Analysis This is a Q2 violation if you do not feel obligated to help your friends [...]
