What could make morality objective?

Should you think about your duty, or about the consequences of your actions? Or should you concentrate on becoming a good person?

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Peter Holmes
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Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Peter Holmes »

Age wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:14 am
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:38 am
Age wrote: Tue Apr 02, 2024 10:06 pm

And, this your opinion here, right?
Yes. In my opinion, 1 and 2 are facts about our use of the words objective and fact. And, in my opinion, given these facts about usage, 3 follows as metaphysically or ontologically true, which is why morality isn't and can't be objective.
So, if objectivity is reliance on facts, and facts are features of reality, regardless of opinions, then the actual fact of the matter here is regardless of your opinion here also, correct?
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:38 am Yes.

Meanwhile, is the first list a correct expression of your opinion?
Age wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:14 am Yes.
Thanks. I'll mull over your assertions, which are as follows.

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.
Last edited by Peter Holmes on Wed Apr 03, 2024 2:30 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Will Bouwman
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Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2022 2:17 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Will Bouwman »

Skepdick wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 12:19 pm
Will Bouwman wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:23 pm Well, if you drop a brick down a well, you have to be extremely creative to conjure an infinity of descriptions of what happens.
And if the only way you know how to describe it is "drop a brick down a well" you'd lack any and all creativity.
Wouldn't you?
Skepdick
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Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 11:16 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Skepdick »

Will Bouwman wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:49 pm
Skepdick wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 12:19 pm
Will Bouwman wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:23 pm Well, if you drop a brick down a well, you have to be extremely creative to conjure an infinity of descriptions of what happens.
And if the only way you know how to describe it is "drop a brick down a well" you'd lack any and all creativity.
Wouldn't you?
Would I?

What's the difference between "drop" and "fall" was from a physics perspective?
Age
Posts: 20541
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:17 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Age »

Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:01 pm
Age wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:14 am
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:38 am
Yes. In my opinion, 1 and 2 are facts about our use of the words objective and fact. And, in my opinion, given these facts about usage, 3 follows as metaphysically or ontologically true, which is why morality isn't and can't be objective.
So, if objectivity is reliance on facts, and facts are features of reality, regardless of opinions, then the actual fact of the matter here is regardless of your opinion here also, correct?
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:38 am Yes.

Meanwhile, is the first list a correct expression of your opinion?
Age wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:14 am Yes.
Thanks. I'll mull over your assertions, which are as follows.

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.
Take your time and 'mull' over them for as long as you like "peter holmes", and then let us know if you can counter or refute them at all.

By the way do you want to let us know how you define the two words 'moral' and 'objective' here, exactly?
Peter Holmes
Posts: 3857
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:53 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Peter Holmes »

Age wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 2:57 am
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:01 pm
Age wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:14 am

So, if objectivity is reliance on facts, and facts are features of reality, regardless of opinions, then the actual fact of the matter here is regardless of your opinion here also, correct?
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:38 am Yes.

Meanwhile, is the first list a correct expression of your opinion?
Age wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:14 am Yes.
Thanks. I'll mull over your assertions, which are as follows.

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.
Take your time and 'mull' over them for as long as you like "peter holmes", and then let us know if you can counter or refute them at all.

By the way do you want to let us know how you define the two words 'moral' and 'objective' here, exactly?
I use those words in standard ways - explained in dictionaries - because that's how I learned to use them. What do you do?
Age
Posts: 20541
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:17 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Age »

Peter Holmes wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 6:33 am
Age wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 2:57 am
Peter Holmes wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:01 pm



Thanks. I'll mull over your assertions, which are as follows.

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.
Take your time and 'mull' over them for as long as you like "peter holmes", and then let us know if you can counter or refute them at all.

By the way do you want to let us know how you define the two words 'moral' and 'objective' here, exactly?
I use those words in standard ways - explained in dictionaries - because that's how I learned to use them. What do you do?
If you want to play this little game, then you obviously cannot refute what I have said here. Therefore, you will have to agree with, and accept, that morality, itself, is just both subjective and objective
Peter Holmes
Posts: 3857
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:53 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Peter Holmes »

Age wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 3:56 pm
Peter Holmes wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 6:33 am
Age wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 2:57 am

Take your time and 'mull' over them for as long as you like "peter holmes", and then let us know if you can counter or refute them at all.

By the way do you want to let us know how you define the two words 'moral' and 'objective' here, exactly?
I use those words in standard ways - explained in dictionaries - because that's how I learned to use them. What do you do?
If you want to play this little game, then you obviously cannot refute what I have said here. Therefore, you will have to agree with, and accept, that morality, itself, is just both subjective and objective
I'm not playing a game. Here's a definition of morality:
'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'
No mention of subjectivity or objectivity.

And I haven't got around to dismantling your argument yet - such as it is. But be patient.
Age
Posts: 20541
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:17 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Age »

Peter Holmes wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 5:23 pm
Age wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 3:56 pm
Peter Holmes wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 6:33 am
I use those words in standard ways - explained in dictionaries - because that's how I learned to use them. What do you do?
If you want to play this little game, then you obviously cannot refute what I have said here. Therefore, you will have to agree with, and accept, that morality, itself, is just both subjective and objective
I'm not playing a game. Here's a definition of morality:
'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'
No mention of subjectivity or objectivity.

And I haven't got around to dismantling your argument yet - such as it is. But be patient.
Of course there is no mention of subjectivity nor objectivity in that definition of the morality word. I noticed that you did not provide a definition for the 'objectivity' word. So, when you stop playing games you might get around to defining the 'objectivity' word, as well.

By the way, I can agree with and accept the definition that you have provided here, however, have I even provided my actual argument here, yet?
Peter Holmes
Posts: 3857
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:53 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Peter Holmes »

Age wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 1:33 am
Peter Holmes wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 5:23 pm
Age wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 3:56 pm

If you want to play this little game, then you obviously cannot refute what I have said here. Therefore, you will have to agree with, and accept, that morality, itself, is just both subjective and objective
I'm not playing a game. Here's a definition of morality:
'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'
No mention of subjectivity or objectivity.

And I haven't got around to dismantling your argument yet - such as it is. But be patient.
Of course there is no mention of subjectivity nor objectivity in that definition of the morality word. I noticed that you did not provide a definition for the 'objectivity' word. So, when you stop playing games you might get around to defining the 'objectivity' word, as well.

By the way, I can agree with and accept the definition that you have provided here, however, have I even provided my actual argument here, yet?
To repeat: what we call objectivity is reliance on facts, rather than opinions. So objective means 'fact-based', or often just 'factual'. And, to repeat, what we call a fact is a feature of reality that is or was the case, regardless of opinion.

And it seems we agree that morality is about 'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'.

Are there any other terms in this discussion with which you need help? If not, we can return to your three assertions:

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.

By all means, please turn these claims into a valid and sound argument about morality.
Skepdick
Posts: 14532
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 11:16 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Skepdick »

Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am To repeat: what we call objectivity is reliance on facts, rather than opinions.
👆Is that a fact, or an opinion?
Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am And, to repeat, what we call a fact is a feature of reality that is or was the case, regardless of opinion.
👆Is that a fact, or an opinion?
Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am By all means, please turn these claims into a valid and sound argument about morality.
We've been through this exercise. You rejected the sound/valid argument for the wrongness of murder.

Why are you wasting other people's time?
Will Bouwman
Posts: 617
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2022 2:17 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Will Bouwman »

Skepdick wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 4:58 pm
Will Bouwman wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:49 pm
Skepdick wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 12:19 pm And if the only way you know how to describe it is "drop a brick down a well" you'd lack any and all creativity.
Wouldn't you?
Would I?
Well, I wasn't referring to you specifically, but since you ask: yes you would.
Age
Posts: 20541
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:17 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Age »

Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am
Age wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 1:33 am
Peter Holmes wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2024 5:23 pm
I'm not playing a game. Here's a definition of morality:
'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'
No mention of subjectivity or objectivity.

And I haven't got around to dismantling your argument yet - such as it is. But be patient.
Of course there is no mention of subjectivity nor objectivity in that definition of the morality word. I noticed that you did not provide a definition for the 'objectivity' word. So, when you stop playing games you might get around to defining the 'objectivity' word, as well.

By the way, I can agree with and accept the definition that you have provided here, however, have I even provided my actual argument here, yet?
To repeat: what we call objectivity is reliance on facts, rather than opinions. So objective means 'fact-based', or often just 'factual'. And, to repeat, what we call a fact is a feature of reality that is or was the case, regardless of opinion.
And, to repeat, this is just your own personal opinion only. So, this is not necessarily objective at all and thus not necessarily a fact, at all.

Or, do you choose believe otherwise?
Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am And it seems we agree that morality is about 'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'.

Are there any other terms in this discussion with which you need help? If not, we can return to your three assertions:

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.

By all means, please turn these claims into a valid and sound argument about morality.
Why?

They stand all by themselves, alone.

By the way, for now, I agree with, and accept, your definition here also.

So, now we wait while you take your time so-called 'mulling over' what has already been said and claimed here.

If you cannot counter nor refute what I have said and claimed here, then so be it.

Also, your condescending game playing above is not helping you at all here
Skepdick
Posts: 14532
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2019 11:16 am

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Skepdick »

Will Bouwman wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 10:17 am
Skepdick wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 4:58 pm
Will Bouwman wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2024 1:49 pm Wouldn't you?
Would I?
Well, I wasn't referring to you specifically, but since you ask: yes you would.
I asked other stuff too... Did you run out of answers; or creativity?
Will Bouwman
Posts: 617
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2022 2:17 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Will Bouwman »

Inclination.
Peter Holmes
Posts: 3857
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:53 pm

Re: What could make morality objective?

Post by Peter Holmes »

Age wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 2:42 pm
Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am
Age wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 1:33 am

Of course there is no mention of subjectivity nor objectivity in that definition of the morality word. I noticed that you did not provide a definition for the 'objectivity' word. So, when you stop playing games you might get around to defining the 'objectivity' word, as well.

By the way, I can agree with and accept the definition that you have provided here, however, have I even provided my actual argument here, yet?
To repeat: what we call objectivity is reliance on facts, rather than opinions. So objective means 'fact-based', or often just 'factual'. And, to repeat, what we call a fact is a feature of reality that is or was the case, regardless of opinion.
And, to repeat, this is just your own personal opinion only. So, this is not necessarily objective at all and thus not necessarily a fact, at all.

Or, do you choose believe otherwise?
What I believe doesn't matter. The whole point about facts is that opinions about them are irrelevant. 'In my opinion, the earth orbits the sun.'
Peter Holmes wrote: Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:23 am And it seems we agree that morality is about 'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour'.

Are there any other terms in this discussion with which you need help? If not, we can return to your three assertions:

1 Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.
2 Despite #1, objectivity can be found and reached.
3 #1 and #2 have a bearing on morality.

By all means, please turn these claims into a valid and sound argument about morality.
Why?

They stand all by themselves, alone.
Fine, So you have no argument to present here, because these are just unconnected assertions.

By the way, for now, I agree with, and accept, your definition here also.

So, now we wait while you take your time so-called 'mulling over' what has already been said and claimed here.

If you cannot counter nor refute what I have said and claimed here, then so be it.
You offer no argument to refute. And your main claim - 'Absolutely every thing is relative to the observer, and thus is subjective to the observer.' - is too banal to bother with, in my opinion.

Also, your condescending game playing above is not helping you at all here
My bad. But it looks like you have nothing to offer except some tired old empiricist skepticism, as I suspected.

Happy to leave it there.
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