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I Like Philosophy

Ethics must be applied universally or not at all. You cannot be said to be ethical if you pick and choose where you apply said ethics. If you believe that the initiation of force against another is wrong, and yet you have no qualms about robbing your neighbor, you cannot claim to be ethical.

However...

For ethics to have any merit, they must be shared.

If you behave ethically towards a person, but they respond with unethical behavior (they assault or rob you, for example), you are under no obligation to continue to behave ethically towards them. For example, it would be perfectly fine to take your property back from them without their consent.

Discuss

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okaybut · 56-60, M

I do not agree...ie Nietzsche the notion of the Superman.

Alchemy5150 · 41-45, M

@okaybut The Nietzsche Superman concept is unethical in that rather than adhere to consistent, rational values, such a person would simply create their own which would coincide with their will to power. This is not surprising since Nietzsche rejected the concept of reason in favor of will. This does not disprove the concept of rational, universal ethics, it simply illustrates that Nietzsche's philosophy rejected such concepts. And history has show the consequences of adherence to such thinking.

okaybut · 56-60, M

@Alchemy5150 Would you not say that Ethics while shared is a negotiated and agreed upon construct?