Greetings!

[PokeYouInDaEye]

Howdy, everyone!

 

Just wanted to introduce myself and two of my major philosophical interests, hoping to get some feedback and discussion going.

 

I'm on the west coast of Canada, have formally studied philosophy in university as an undergraduate (Minor in Philosophy - diverse coursework in the philosophy of: ancient Greeks, Medievals, ethics, politics, religion/metaphysics, art/literature), and am a Roman Catholic.

 

 

Two of my major interests, at present are explored in these posts by me on my writings blog:

 

"The Gay Identity Today" - basically, that most people get the concept of "gay" wrong, classifying it in the same character trait categories as gender or race... it is different, there are psycho-sexual issues, cultural identity-issues, and political issues at play, and that changes the discussion in a big way.

 

"Exploring the Legitimacy of Society, Alternate Societies, Religions, Cults, and Antagonistic Subcultures –draft–" -- my brain-storming page, a post-in-progress, but basically I am trying to explore the difference between primary society (i.e. - the state) and alternative societies (e.g. - the mafia, religions, cult communities, etc.) and the compared moral legitimacy of them.

 

 

Philosophically, I am also interested in and trying to explore the topics of: morality's role in state legislation (e.g. - should all vices be criminalized?), the myth of the secular and religion vs. ideology, Canadian politics, global politics, business, culture (the non-formal public sphere), and society (the formal/political/legal public sphere).

 

 

One major issue that I think affects modern morality discourses today is the use of the Rights framework, and I think it is a horrible language for talking about morality, because it is a haphazard and incomplete moral theory... I explored this topic here:

 

"The Errors of 'Rights' and Political Religions"

 

 

Anyway, that's a good start for what I am interested to engage with here... feel free to message me, or suggest threads that I should check-out... if you're on the west-coast, let's grab a coffee and pick a topic!

 

 

Cheers!

[dsayers]

Welcome. I would like to share my thoughts on the subjects you mention if I may.

 

I think the primary source of controversy around non-heterosexuality is that there are people in the world that do not want it/agree with it. They are willing to initiate the use of force (ITUOF) against such people and incite others to do the same. Even though those at whom their ire is aimed are not ITUOF. Many speak as if whether it's a choice or not makes a difference. I would argue that for as long as they are not ITUOF against others, no other consideration is of particular importance.

 

basically I am trying to explore the difference between primary society (i.e. - the state)

 

This is the kind of assertion that requires defining terms I think. I disagree with the conclusion and have no way of understanding how it came to pass that one could call the State a "primary society." It's like calling the fleas on a dog the primary creature.

 

Philosophically, I am also interested in and trying to explore the topics of: morality's role in state legislation (e.g. - should all vices be criminalized?)

 

On what basis could person A tell person B what to do? Legislation is a command backed by threat of violence. If person B is not ITUOF, then person A has no moral authority to ITUOF against person B. Basic property rights, stemming from self-ownership, prove that the State is inherently immoral as it violates property rights if only by way of dispensing with consent.

 

One major issue that I think affects modern morality discourses today is the use of the Rights framework, and I think it is a horrible language for talking about morality, because it is a haphazard and incomplete moral theory

 

I used to feel the same way. Once alex put it into the context of positive and negative obligations in this most excellent video/thread it made a lot more sense to me. I recognize that most people misuse the term "right," but this doesn't mean there isn't a place for it in these sorts of discussions.

[PokeYouInDaEye]

Just had a thought I wanted to share about Stef... he does a great job of showing what our culture and society presently is, and that helps me recognize how my ideal and my community are different.

 

Also:

thx for ur reply dsayers... will try to respond soon.