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It sounds like you judge people by the consequences of their actions rather than their intentions. I tend to agree with that way of thinking but many people do
by lopmotr 7y ago
It sounds like you judge people by the consequences of their actions rather than their intentions. I tend to agree with that way of thinking but many people do the opposite and believe intentions are the morally superior way of judging good and bad.
The trouble with judging by actions is it makes everybody bad, including the judge! I suspect that's why people don't like it. Since nearly everyone believes their own intentions are good, judging by intentions preserves their own sense of goodness even if they contribute to a few killings by accident/negligence.
- latch 7y agoWhen it comes to this, taking intent on faith isn't good enough. Vietnam, a possible war of aggression in Iraq, illegal drone strikes in Pakistan, public threats and shows of force - the stick isn't subtle and I think it's fair to question whether it's measured (and what it means if it isn't). I actually think I'm right of center on this issue in general, I just wish we called it as it is.
- igravious 7y agoThat's a fine and dandy distinction until it's not. If you keep punching me in the face while claiming it was your intention to punch someone else I'm going to come to the conclusion sooner rather than later that you're lying or stupid or incompetent – either way I'm going to do something about it rather than continue to let you punch me in the face. Is it too much to ask that a lot more effort be expended in not mowing down innocent civilians while prosecuting the so-called global-war-on-terror?
- misja 7y agoEven if the USA's intentions were good, they can be blamed for choosing the wrong kind of action. It is well known that drone strikes are terribly inaccurate and therefore the risk for civilian casualties is high.