Philosophy Now Forum

What of self-deceit?

Lying to yourself.
What id Mickey had a button that could destroy all those that remind him of how simple he is....would he push it and claim that he had no choice because his choice was determined?

Which virtue does not require agency to give it value?
If all is determined and man has no choice, is he truly virtuous?
Doesn't virtue necessitate some degree of self-control - enkratia?
If it were a matter of chance, what would its value be?

If a pedophile could not control his impulses, could he be justified in raping children?
What of the pedophile that could muster the will-power, to willfully, choose not to act upon his impulses?
Would he not be worthy of praise?

The diaper sniper shouldn't be praised because he didn't choose to have to willpower and/or the second thought that stopped him from having sexy time with a children.

However, praise and blame will, and should, continue to exist and does so because it expresses behavioral and survival strategies of the group; sexy time with a children has been considered abnormal and deviant for centuries in civilized societies so there is general disdain for it. Doesn't matter why... just that it is... that it has become a human custom to frown on it... demonstrates its social advantages and use.

So, when Chester doesn't have sexy time with a children, we pat him on the back and give him a smiley face. When he does, we say "bad Chester", Chester recoils in shame, and his behavior is modified by the negative reinforcement.

Genetically, only loyalty.