Do as you would be done by.

[RWStanding]

Do as you would be done by.
The ethic of universality and treating others as we expect to be treated, on a basis of equality, has a highly virtuous and egalitarian appearance. And perhaps it is usually a recipe for mutual kindness. But it can be employed in a way that ignores other values. We may accept a rule of criminal law based on an eye for an eye, and indeed any degree of retribution, stoically accepting it would apply to us if we broke the law. Whatever the criminal law. it may be made a universal law that everyone has equal right to own and profit from property, not that they have the right to equal property whatever they do. Everyone has the equal right to marry and make families, not that they have equal right to relationships of all and any kind they desire. No doubt the criminals and others may want for themselves and others something different. But on that basis of universal desire being operative, where is the criminal or the sinner. Indeed where is anything for society but potential chaos. Even a society based amoral autonomous individuals is conditional and requires equality in personal power and property, and avoidance of conflict.

[Impenitent]

Manny is smiling too

-Imp