Since I added some fuel to the fire, let me add some more :) I think we really need to clarify our language regarding this discussion. Legality and morality, although roughly correlated, are not the same. Laws certainly are relative, and one could even argue arbitrary, but is morality the same? This actually connects back to the original question posed -- when is the appropriate time to question legalities (and authorities)? When do WE know that the law is wrong because there is a "higher" moral principle at stake?
The abortion issue was raised in terms of whether or not we've "progressed" as a culture, and I think that is a fair question -- whether or not abortion is truly moral is an open question (although to some it certainly is closed). On the other hand, whether or not it's legal almost has nothing to do with its morality. I think the argument about cultural progression and legality is much more clear when discussing something like slavery. I think there are very few (and they would be of questionable moral character) who would actually argue that we should again legalize slavery because that was a morally superior cultural standard. But again, I would argue that even when it was legal, that certainly did not make it moral. Christine Grela Instructor of Psychology McHenry County College Office: C-124; Phone: 815-479-7725 [email protected] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
