A friend has begun to write a Declaration of Principles for a group that he co-leads. I have done something similar when writing my Charter for Advocates for Civil Society.
Neither. It's a question for science - after the word is defined - it's either a fact or falsehood, not a "foundational guideline". (For example, if we're talking about a "god" who's "son" was born to a virgin, versus some completely unspecified entity that created this universe, etc.) Although "god" did give us (often conflicting) laws, "he" also gave us free will with which to choose which ones to follow.
> The sun always rises.
Ditto.
> Evil exists.
Ditto, with the additional note that first morality (good/evil) has to be explicitly defined, eg. via it's accordance to the NAP (Universally Preferrable Behavior).
> Parents love their children.
Ditto - both in terms of the low-level bio-chemical oxytocin bonding parents are wired to have, and in terms of the higher level reflex to virtues.
> Common sense.
Ditto - this would be more of a question for statistics/sampling, after the parameter to measure is well defined.
> The greater good.
Value.
> I think, therefore I am.
Neither - this is just logic/tautology.
> The universe is made of atoms.
Same as the first, a question for science.
> Time never stands still.
Neither - logical tautology. Or, actually, just a nonsense statement.
This level of thoughtful reflection is needed if we are to regain our footing. This short read will contribute greatly to my thinking on the matter of principles and values.
> God exists.
Neither. It's a question for science - after the word is defined - it's either a fact or falsehood, not a "foundational guideline". (For example, if we're talking about a "god" who's "son" was born to a virgin, versus some completely unspecified entity that created this universe, etc.) Although "god" did give us (often conflicting) laws, "he" also gave us free will with which to choose which ones to follow.
> The sun always rises.
Ditto.
> Evil exists.
Ditto, with the additional note that first morality (good/evil) has to be explicitly defined, eg. via it's accordance to the NAP (Universally Preferrable Behavior).
> Parents love their children.
Ditto - both in terms of the low-level bio-chemical oxytocin bonding parents are wired to have, and in terms of the higher level reflex to virtues.
> Common sense.
Ditto - this would be more of a question for statistics/sampling, after the parameter to measure is well defined.
> The greater good.
Value.
> I think, therefore I am.
Neither - this is just logic/tautology.
> The universe is made of atoms.
Same as the first, a question for science.
> Time never stands still.
Neither - logical tautology. Or, actually, just a nonsense statement.
This level of thoughtful reflection is needed if we are to regain our footing. This short read will contribute greatly to my thinking on the matter of principles and values.