In your opinion, what is the highest value a society should strive towards?

[McGyver]

Ultimate Goal: Use of Resources for Self Preservation

The ultimate goal in any organization, society, country etc. is that of "Self Preservation," though I answered "Liberty" to the poll question. Because w/o Liberty - Self Preservation cannot be sustainable. But Liberty, along with free and open and best use of "Resources" I believe is the correct formula for any organization to sustain itself.

These "Resources" include water, energy, food, shelter, intelligent and willing labor (people), a sustainable family and social model, a sustainable Philospophy/organizational model with critical public policy, industrial resources, experts, scientists, unbiased news reporting, and finally - competent and trustworthy leadership. Any faith-based practices would fall under the family and social model - that ideally should not be directed or mandated by the societal organization/administration, but by family.

History demonstrates clearly how past civilizations and organizations failed. I am sure their failures were due to items lacking in the above.

Stephen Dolle
www.diaceph.com

 

[sameandnot]

History demonstrates clearly how past civilizations and organizations failed. I am sure their failures were due to items lacking in the above.

perhaps, sufficiently understanding these failures would lead, individuals to enlightened existence? it really should. right?

 

[McGyver]

perhaps, sufficiently understanding these failures would lead, individuals to enlightened existence? it really should. right?

You are correct ... but perhaps only in a perfect world. For now we must contend with our human fallibility, greed, pride, and acts often beyond societal control, such as natural disasters, disease epidemics, famine, and even acts of mental illness.

Sadly, even things that are within our capabilities, like Katrina/New Orleans disaster and how to rebuild, appear to be beyond the capabilities of those entrusted with these responsibilities. It is now their "pride" which has gotten in the way of the rebuilding efforts. They are not qualified to carry out what they are undertaking - in part due to their pride in not stepping aside, and others who are qualified not coming forward, the City just sits there in ruin ... waiting... waiting. But for what?

1st Rule to sustain an organization: Vision.
2nd Rule: Admit when you are wrong or don't know something.
3rd Rule: Know where to find the answers/resources to get it done.
4th Rule: Treat your people as you would want them to treat you.

 

[McGyver]

When Self Preservation Conflicts w/ Religious Beliefs

Please allow me to paste in text and link a key related Physics Forum discussion on the Riligious Right's position on Birth Control - and whether it might conflict with the rule on self preservation:

I am simply connecting a few dots in this broad discussion. The Catholic Church's broad agenda on BC may be consistent with a goal of "relagating the role and rights of the modern woman" to that which existed in recorded history until the 1960/70s, when for the 1st time BC care and Abortion became widely available for women - and which are both used in family planning and population control. Somewhere along the way - the Christian Right decided to focus their afforts on one key isse - Abortion, or the Pro-Life position.

In truth, all signs indicate that the Catholic Church's agenda, as well as certain Christian and non-Christian organizations, go well beyond BC and Abortion. They want women to return to the traditional role of not working or engaging in non-feminen sports and activities, not holding positions of importance (such as in the Clergy), that they dress and act in a manner consistent with the woman's traditional role.

The ultimate question which society and our policies must come to better answer is, "Whether BC methods and which BC technologies, and roles for men and women - are most ideally suited to sustain humanity?"

SEE the Physics Forum Discussion thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=90496