3 ms·
Just because everyone does it doesn't make it okay. Also, for those seemingly few citizens who care about ethics, this information matters, even if it does hurt
by insoluble 11y ago
Just because everyone does it doesn't make it okay. Also, for those seemingly few citizens who care about ethics, this information matters, even if it does hurt the US economy. There are more things in life than money. Saying that the bad secrets should be kept secret is like saying the holocaust should have been kept a secret. People grow from coming to terms with what's wrong, not from incessant denial. Often there is a short-term harm when coming out about the truth, but it has to be better in the long run. The reputation and dignity of future generations depends on it. Caring only about the short-term is selfish and short-sighted.
PS: When I say short-term here, I'm talking 10 to 20 years. A moral being thinks beyond his or her own lifespan.
- bediger4000 11y agothis information matters, even if it does hurt the US economy - so there's a practical argument against the NSA's "collect everything" stratigery. I like your argument by the way, and I disklike the parent's argument. The parent argues solely on "My Guys" vs "Their Guys" - there's nothing to distinguish good from bad, and "real politik" is just an excuse to behave immorally.
- NN88 11y agoMorality doesn't extend when everyone doesn't honor the same rules.
- drdeca 11y agoMorality is not based in consensus.
- bediger4000 11y agoThis is really the first time I've seen this position advocated explicitly. Can you elaborate? I'm not sure I understand how this fits in with anything other than a "Us: Good. Them: Bad" system of philosophy. Although I rather like it. Can I ignore copyright and patent laws (which are often touted as having a moral basis) because the current US copyright and patent don't really fit things like independent invention?