Re: Sociobiology explains one more aspect of morality

From: Gary Gerrard (tseneca_at_alltel.net)
Date: 08/31/04 

Date: 31 Aug 2004 16:10:52 -0700

"robert j. kolker" <nowhere@nowhere.net> wrote in message news:<2pedp6Fk69fuU4@uni-berlin.de>...
> Gary Gerrard wrote:
>
> > possessions/property? These are all moral choices in the purest
> > sense, and depending on which choice is made by the "mighty",
> > determines what legal and political rights a society adopts.
>
> If X has absolute or overwhelming power, whatever X decides and however
> X decides is Right. If you got it, flaunt it.
>
> If X does not have the power, he has to negotiate.
>
> Bob Kolker

This is true as a descriptive statement, like saying the strongest
wolf in a pack is the dominant individual. But the concept of "right"
in the sense of "correct" or "desirable" or "required" action is a
different matter altogether. Why do some societies consider female
circumcision "right?" Why do some societies consider child abuse
"wrong." What right does might make is, to me, a more important
question than the simple observation that without might might makes
right.