Terry,
I can appreciate the value of that viewpoint. But I see more value in the contrary viewpoint, that tools are inherently "GOOD". If not, then we must use a too narrow definition of the adjective. What is good, if not the materials that support our lives? Is food not good because it can be eaten by criminals to sustain their life of crime? With such a narrow definition, what is left to qualify as deserving of praise? Under such a narrow definition, I don't believe anything can qualify; the word disappears and everything becomes "neutral". Nor can I see how calling things "good" detracts from personal responsibility, as does mislabeling things as "bad". Regarding your reasoning, I don't think making rational distinctions between good and bad is the same as religious moralism. Such moralism usually consists of wrongly labeling many things as bad. I realize this moralism has given the words "good" and "bad" a negative connotation for many folks like us, but that's no reason to abandon making rational judgments. Such critical thinking is the manifestation of intelligence and the mechanics of progress. The quality of my life depends on my knowledge of what is good and bad (and all the shades in between). Besides, I'm not sure that anyone who communicates (a position) can escape it. By stating an opinion, perspective or position (or "fact"), one is putting either "good" and/or "bad" labels on things. For example, you are putting "bad" labels on the acts of moralizing, and calling capitalism "good"; kind of like writing about the deleterious effects of writing. Is not this discussion "good"? -Mark _____ There is NOTHING inherent to capitalism per se, that precludes its inclusion in crimes; as in many scandals for example. Capitalism is a tool that can be used for good or bad by persons. To believe otherwise is to attempt to export responsibility away from persons. Just like guns being Amoral, so is capitalism. Each of us is still on the hook to be moral :) It is so tiresome to me, to keep seeing capitalism religionized -Terry Liberty Parker http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian _____ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/KlSolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> ForumWebSiteAt http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
