Monday, July 14, 2008

Wrong-headed about morals

In a recent article in London's The Times, Britain is creating youths who have nothing to lose by crime, Minette Marrin writes:

Morality depends on having something to lose. It isn't just a matter of learning right from wrong, least of all in a post-religious society. Morality is socially constructed. I will respect your property and your person because I want you to respect mine. We both have something to lose. One does not have to be educated in political philosophy to understand that ancient deal. But if I have neither property nor respect from anyone, what's in the deal for me?

Albert Mohler comments on this statement, and Marrin's article, in his latest blog: Modernity, Madness and Morals. Well worth reading for both his and Ms Marrin's insights into what is wrong with our moral judgement these days and what might be done about it. And even though the original article relates to Britain, and the comments to the US, both are pertinent to NZ's social scene.

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