----- Original Message ----- From: "Erik Reuter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Killer Bs Discussion" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 9:58 PM Subject: Re: New Pope?
> * Dan Minette ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) wrote: > > > there is no empirical evidence for human rights. Holding truths to be > > self-evident indicates that the founding fathers believed this too. > > It makes sense, because that understanding was very much a part of the > > enlightenment. > > I think many people would more-or-less agree with me that a > civilization/society similar to Iain Banks' Culture is a worthwhile goal > for the human race to aspire to. A civilization with tremendous personal freedom and minimal physical wants is certainly a worthwhile goal. Being willing to work for it, even though you won't see it yourself is noble. So, I appreciate your arguement for future generations as basically selfless and morally admirable points. We might differ as to the best path, but I respect your dedication. Many people would think those are good goals only as long as someone else is paying for them. I'm talking, though, about something more fundamental. I value those goals because I believe in the inherent worth of humans. But, there is no scientific reason that those goals are noble, while those who are willing to spend now and leave the bill to other people's children are ignoble. The yardstick I use to measure that is the the value of every person, including those who will come in the future. That yardstick is a "self evident truth." It is not a fact; it is not a part of a well verified model of observation. Dan M. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
