Wrong actions?
Here are some actions thought to be wrong in some cultures and
thought to be permissible in others (see IP3 490ab):
- public nakedness
- polygamy
- working on the Sabbath
- infanticide
- homosexual behavior
- eating one's dead parents
For each of these actions try to think of an argument (a
sound, non-question-begging, argument) for
the conclusion that that action is morally wrong or is morally
permissible.
Here's an example:
- If some behavior does not harm anyone, then that behavior
is morally permissible.
- Public nakedness does not harm anyone.
- Therefore, public nakedness is morally permissible. (By a
variation on modus ponens)
Richard Lee,
rlee@uark.edu,
last modified: 14 September 2004