Blurred Lines of Morality

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29 Aug 2017 16:32 #300003 by thomaswfaulkner
These are quite some interesting responses to reflect back on. Here is some stuff that I took away from some of the responses, both humorously and intellectually:

Adder, you might have influenced me to do some quiet “reunion crashing” at some family reunion. In the name of science of course.

Dewy.Cosmos, thanks for sharing your personal experiences and allowing others to learn from it. I agree with you, it is difficult to suppose, or impose that our actions have no direct consequences, even when there is a low probability that the other person will recall them, or if we deem they are not “mature enough to comprehend the situation.” Action that capitalizes on another’s vulnerability is hard to morally justify. 

Lykeios, simple, practical, and to the point. “Be happy with what you do, just don’t break the laws, or tell me about it you weirdos.” ;)

Gisteron, your take on the second scenario is similar to how I align. I wish to be turned into a tree after I die, but my wife insists on turning me into a wearable ring. Eh, I’m the dead one, she will have to live with losing me in the cushions of the couch.

Manu, I couldn’t even get past “paint whiskers on you hand”. Lol I like the alternatives.

Kyrin, you have a very interesting take on the topic of bestiality. We don’t ask their permission from them at all. We kind of just take without the expectation of received consent. I became a vegetarian for this reason. (But now one can argue that I am a mass murder of the plants that I don’t receive consent from eating, which is an entirely separate discussion.) 

I think it’s good to mental exercises like this to understand that some uncomfortable situations might be morally permissible. But how far does one (or should one go) to impose themselves in order to prevent an ambiguous situation? What line do you draw between “live and let live” and “the call to action?”

Right View ~ Right Intention ~ Right Speech ~ Right Action ~ Right Livelihood ~ Right Effort ~ Right Mindfulness ~ Right Concentration



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30 Aug 2017 21:16 - 30 Aug 2017 21:28 #300110 by OB1Shinobi
I really appreciate this concept. Exactly what is morality? What makes things "right" or "wrong"? I play with this all the time and if it would be ok, id like to add a few new examples to consider?

Warning: Spoiler!

People are complicated.
Last edit: 30 Aug 2017 21:28 by OB1Shinobi.
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30 Aug 2017 21:37 #300112 by
Replied by on topic Blurred Lines of Morality
1. I wound exact the revenge as appropriate.

2. Two wrongs don't make a right. Instead I would try to expose him.

3. I would protect him/her

4. I see no issues with this relationship as its mutually beneficial and would encourage it.

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30 Aug 2017 21:49 #300115 by Adder
Replied by Adder on topic Blurred Lines of Morality
1. avoid, unless its a work requirement, in which case, avoid.
2. get a new job.
3. bugger me that's a tough one.... set your story as hitting an animal and not realizing.
4. keep it in your pants for a few years. They are just a kid.

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Likes integration, visualization, elucidation and transformation.
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30 Aug 2017 21:52 #300116 by Manu
Replied by Manu on topic Blurred Lines of Morality
1: I would confront them from the start. I've got too much to do in life to weasel myself into a relationship to take a petty vengeance.

2: I would quit and take the clients with me, treating them better, as they deserve.

3: Flee the country with wife.

4: Not cool. It still seem abusive, even if the sex slave was properly paid for and taken care of.

The pessimist complains about the wind;
The optimist expects it to change;
The realist adjusts the sails.
- William Arthur Ward

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30 Aug 2017 22:01 #300121 by thomaswfaulkner
1.) I would want to establish the friendship with the bully under the pretense that it would turn out to be lifelong and worthwhile. For me, I try not to live too much in the past, but it is also worth recognizing that my action would also impact the relationship with my sibling. I think honest and open communication is a must with your younger sibling in order to ensure them that your intentions are right. As for dealing with the bully, I wouldn’t even bring up the thought of the abuse that my sibling underwent. I would just try to treat him as a stranger in the situation and hope that through my actions of an informal peace offering that someone benefits from it. Whether it was the bully who learns to better manage his social skills or my sibling through active forgiving. Maybe through positive role modeling the bully will confront my sibling and apologize for his actions and the two would be able to coexist healthily.

2.) Knowledge is power. I would bring it to the attention to the Human Resources manager to hold a conference with him or to hold meeting to discuss the alleged concerns. If that didn’t work, then I would have already had an idea for a backup position with another company and I would have left the details of my resignation in my notice to corporate.

3.) This is a tough one. My job as a spouse is not to pass judgement, but to be there for them. I would encourage them to look inside themselves and make a decision. Ultimately, I am not the one who is going to live with the consequences of her choice, but her choice, or lack of choice can affect the nature of our present relationship. There is no responsibility in feelings, only in our actions. 

4.) I think it would boil down to both parties given consent in the relationship. Morally is it permissible? Sure, I mean you could justify it, because she is willingly allowing the exchange of her services for protection; however, it tip toes on comfortability because we don’t want to see the child being exploited. I would have to know a bit more information about the child’s wellbeing and her input in the situation and if their bargain was unconditional.

Right View ~ Right Intention ~ Right Speech ~ Right Action ~ Right Livelihood ~ Right Effort ~ Right Mindfulness ~ Right Concentration



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May all beings be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute
in some way to the happiness and freedom for all.

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30 Aug 2017 22:03 #300122 by Manu
Replied by Manu on topic Blurred Lines of Morality

thomaswfaulkner wrote: 4.) I think it would boil down to both parties given consent in the relationship. Morally is it permissible? Sure, I mean you could justify it, because she is willingly allowing the exchange of her services for protection; however, it tip toes on comfortability because we don’t want to see the child being exploited. I would have to know a bit more information about the child’s wellbeing and her input in the situation and if their bargain was unconditional.


A starving child will do a lot of things he/she doesn't want to if it will guarantee getting out of harm's way. If that is not taking advantage of someone, I don't know what is.

The pessimist complains about the wind;
The optimist expects it to change;
The realist adjusts the sails.
- William Arthur Ward
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30 Aug 2017 22:10 #300123 by
Replied by on topic Blurred Lines of Morality

Manu wrote:

thomaswfaulkner wrote: 4.) I think it would boil down to both parties given consent in the relationship. Morally is it permissible? Sure, I mean you could justify it, because she is willingly allowing the exchange of her services for protection; however, it tip toes on comfortability because we don’t want to see the child being exploited. I would have to know a bit more information about the child’s wellbeing and her input in the situation and if their bargain was unconditional.


A starving child will do a lot of things he/she doesn't want to if it will guarantee getting out of harm's way. If that is not taking advantage of someone, I don't know what is.



Why is that wrong? We all do things every day to ensure our survival. Unless you are in the child's shoes how can you judge what is acceptable to her to ensure not only the childs survival but the child's advancement in society? Why is sex the taboo that says the cost is too high?

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30 Aug 2017 22:25 #300124 by thomaswfaulkner
My issue isn't with the act involved just the exploitation itself. She could be shining boots, working in a sweatshop, or having casual sex with someone and it still be the same. My concern comes from her understanding the nature of her relationship. Does she understand and accept her role within that relationship, or is it simply a means to an end?

Exploitation is a sticky subject. It isn't wrong to want to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of others, not necessarily, but I like to focus on a person's intent. Where was this man's intent? Is the child given the ability to not participate in sex or is she simply a purchase tool?

I don't think I'm doing that good of a job verbally explaining it as well as I see the picture in my head.

Right View ~ Right Intention ~ Right Speech ~ Right Action ~ Right Livelihood ~ Right Effort ~ Right Mindfulness ~ Right Concentration



Knight of the Order
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Teaching Master: Senan
IP Journal l AP Journal l Seminary Journal l Personal Ministry Statement

If you need to talk, we are here to listen.
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May all beings be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute
in some way to the happiness and freedom for all.
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30 Aug 2017 22:47 #300125 by Manu
Replied by Manu on topic Blurred Lines of Morality

Kyrin Wyldstar wrote: Why is that wrong? We all do things every day to ensure our survival. Unless you are in the child's shoes how can you judge what is acceptable to her to ensure not only the childs survival but the child's advancement in society? Why is sex the taboo that says the cost is too high?


I have no grievance against the child. But the adult taking in the child is leveraging his power to take advantage of the situation. If they really were doing it for the child, then they would at least wait for the child to grow up and be an adult.

The pessimist complains about the wind;
The optimist expects it to change;
The realist adjusts the sails.
- William Arthur Ward
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