Playing God

This is a phrase that is often brought up when talking about the ethics (or lack of ethics) of killing people. For example, when we talk about things like homocides, military killings, police shootouts, and even abortions, a person against any type of killing might say "I think it's wrong because I don't think we have the right of playing god".

This got me thinking and making a connection when I was watching a game show last night called "The Amazing Race". Basically, and relevantly to this topic, the show is about participants who are given very strict and difficult challenges to compete across various environments. They are rewarded for completing challenges quickly, correctly, and within the rules. In contrast, when the rules of the game show are broken, they are usually penalized.

I realized that, in a way, these game shows are like "playing god". Basically, the game show leaders and hosts are responsible for making up everything the participants are allowed to do. Doing anything deviant will result in penalization. Therefore, is this an example of playing god?

Furthermore...

Is "playing god" necessarily a "wrong" thing?

When is playing god all right? Examples?

What does it even mean to "play god"?

Eh, maybe playing god is actually just doing what "god" or fate wants you to do.

I'm not sure playing god is right or wrong, but under a certain part of human ethics then playing god can be wrong when it harms another and good when it's beneficial. It's a hard thing to peg, especially when things like murder are a part of nature and not at all uncommon for our species. Do we like it? No, most of us don't, but it is natural.

To take playing god in a different direction a lot of people find that creation is a way to reach or play god. Science, cooking, making a baby those could all be ways to play god.

I have 3 cats.

They depend on me for their food and their environment, and I determine who they meet, what they come across, and generally almost everything in their life can be traced back to me in some way.

I am their God, pretty much.

Does that make me evil?

To play god is not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on what you are playing god with. Good, bad or neutral. Good being a doctor and saving lifes, against what some may call natural course that shouldn't be stoped. Bad as in a murderer who ends life without reason. And neutral like V-tog and her cats. Taking care of an animal is neither bad or good, it just is what it is. Its how you play, not who you're playing.

Wendaline wrote: Eh, maybe playing god is actually just doing what "god" or fate wants you to do.

Isn't that "following" God?

I'm not sure playing god is right or wrong, but under a certain part of human ethics then playing god can be wrong when it harms another and good when it's beneficial. It's a hard thing to peg, especially when things like murder are a part of nature and not at all uncommon for our species. Do we like it? No, most of us don't, but it is natural.

I agree. It is personally very difficult for me to find that fine line to cross. Where does it go overboard?

To take playing god in a different direction a lot of people find that creation is a way to reach or play god. Science, cooking, making a baby those could all be ways to play god.

Cooking and reproduction aren't really "overboard", in my opinion.

SeanChing wrote: Is "playing god" necessarily a "wrong" thing?

When is playing god all right? Examples?

What does it even mean to "play god"?

Shouldn't that last question come first?

I'd like to know in what context and by what boundaries I was discussing something before I discussed it...

V-Tog wrote: I have 3 cats.

They depend on me for their food and their environment, and I determine who they meet, what they come across, and generally almost everything in their life can be traced back to me in some way.

I am their God, pretty much.

Does that make me evil?

You know Master V-Tog, it is very difficult for me (or anyone) to call you an evil person if you keep on using so many positive emoticons! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

You could learn a thing or two from a Sith, like William. No offense intended to any Sith.

Akkarin wrote:
Shouldn't that last question come first?

Yes, that would make better sense. My apologies.

I'd like to know in what context and by what boundaries I was discussing something before I discussed it...

I didn't really have any boundaries in mind for this discussion. Honestly, just say whatever you want in regard to the original questions.

The context of the original question has to do with the phrase "playing God", and any associated ethics and interpretations.

ferreire580 wrote: To play god is not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on what you are playing god with. Good, bad or neutral. Good being a doctor and saving lifes, against what some may call natural course that shouldn't be stoped. Bad as in a murderer who ends life without reason. And neutral like V-tog and her cats. Taking care of an animal is neither bad or good, it just is what it is. Its how you play, not who you're playing.

Good points.

SeanChing wrote: You know Master V-Tog, it is very difficult for me (or anyone) to call you an evil person if you keep on using so many positive emoticons! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

You could learn a thing or two from a Sith, like William. No offense intended to any Sith.

:huh:

You want me to be less friendly, more Sithy?



:blink: :pinch: :dry:

Okay, I'll try to be more evil in future... :blush:

:evil: