The Role of Being Nice in Ethics: A Scientific Exploration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the significance of "being nice" within ethical frameworks, examining its role as either a superficial quality or a fundamental aspect of human interaction. Participants consider various perspectives on kindness, cooperation, and cultural interpretations of ethical behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether "being nice" is a necessary quality for admiration, suggesting it could either enhance or obscure an individual's true worth.
  • Another participant argues that "being nice" is essential for societal cooperation and tolerance, implying its importance in the human condition.
  • A third participant reflects on their experience with moderation in philosophical discussions, hinting at the challenges of navigating such topics.
  • A quote from Lao Tzu is presented, suggesting that kindness may be viewed as a social convention rather than an inherent virtue, with an emphasis on compassion and noncontention instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role and importance of "being nice" in ethics, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences with moderation in philosophical discussions, which may influence the tone and direction of the conversation.

geordief
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How important is "being nice" in the ethical scheme of things?

In my mind it almost counts as a confusing element that you need to see through to get at the truth (or worth) of an individual.On the other hand ,it can be seen as the final word.

If we were to discover that Winston Churchill had sold his brother into white slavery to fund his education would that totally eclipse the admiration we might otherwise hold him in ? (or is it "in which we hold him", Winnie?)

So is it the icing on the cake ,without which , we have to suspect that the individual doesn't really merit our admiration -or a potential cloak of deceit -a Trojan Horse?

Or is it just a physical/social attribute we just take for the (limited) amount it is worth?
 
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"Being nice" is an essential part of the human condition (unless you are employed on Wall Street or DC). We all need a level of cooperation and tolerance if our society is to thrive.

Some time ago, I told Evo and MIH that I would stay out of Philosophy. Hope I don't get banned.
 
Nature is not kind;
It treats all things impartially.
The Sage is not kind,
And treats all people impartially.
Nature is like a bellows,
Empty, yet never ceasing its supply.
The more it moves, the more it yields;
So the sage draws upon experience
And cannot be exhausted.
Lao Tzu

To a lot of Taoists kindness is merely a social convention that can vary from one culture to the next. Instead they emphasis compassion and noncontention.
 
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