08-27-2004, 03:46 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-27-2004, 03:49 AM by Occhidiangela.)
Three thoughts:
1. For Pete:
Religion or philosophy, or both? Particularly since the Enlightenment, it seems to be that both have a heavy contribution to the "common cultural assumptions" or the "frequently taken for granted societal norms." I suppose that until the Enlightenment, religion and philosophy were equivalent. Hmmmm, probably need to do a bit more reading on that.
2. Chaerphon: And where do you think the premise for universal human rights comes from? What driving philosophical idea is the kernel of that concept? One could argue that the idea derives from a matter of Christian doctrine, the concept that all souls are equal before God's eyes. That idea has roots that probably go back to pre Christian times, not to mention the influence of the Vedic thought, though the Hindu caste system is in stark contrast as a social norm inconsistent with a "universal" equal rights position. I don't understand the Tao well enough to comment on its contribution.
3. The end of slavery was made practical, in an economic rather than moral sense, by the advent of the machine age. Given the outlook of many early industrialists, the habit of treating the labor as "lesser beings than themselves" made for a significant class divide that Marxian thought harnessed in the name of class warfare, which was not invented by Marx.
"The Peasants Are Revolting!"
But back to slave labor. The marvels that were and are the Roman roads were built, at least in part, by slave labor. Slavery as a means of agricultural production is an old method, see Sparta and the Helots. Slavery for manual labor in general was alive and well in the 19th century in any number of Islamic societies. It is argued by some that slavery is alive and well, still, in East Africa, particularly the Sudan; that prison labor in the Soviet Union was nothing more than slave labor; and that use of prisoners in the US for roadwork is a form of slave labor, which is one reason why the Chain Gang is not quite as common as it once was. The story in Cool Hand Luke is now more of a period piece, even an anachronism. :D
1. For Pete:
Quote:Usually, if you are honest, you will realize that your outlook is driven by the society you live in and that, in turn, is driven by the dominant religion of that society.
Religion or philosophy, or both? Particularly since the Enlightenment, it seems to be that both have a heavy contribution to the "common cultural assumptions" or the "frequently taken for granted societal norms." I suppose that until the Enlightenment, religion and philosophy were equivalent. Hmmmm, probably need to do a bit more reading on that.
2. Chaerphon: And where do you think the premise for universal human rights comes from? What driving philosophical idea is the kernel of that concept? One could argue that the idea derives from a matter of Christian doctrine, the concept that all souls are equal before God's eyes. That idea has roots that probably go back to pre Christian times, not to mention the influence of the Vedic thought, though the Hindu caste system is in stark contrast as a social norm inconsistent with a "universal" equal rights position. I don't understand the Tao well enough to comment on its contribution.
3. The end of slavery was made practical, in an economic rather than moral sense, by the advent of the machine age. Given the outlook of many early industrialists, the habit of treating the labor as "lesser beings than themselves" made for a significant class divide that Marxian thought harnessed in the name of class warfare, which was not invented by Marx.
"The Peasants Are Revolting!"
But back to slave labor. The marvels that were and are the Roman roads were built, at least in part, by slave labor. Slavery as a means of agricultural production is an old method, see Sparta and the Helots. Slavery for manual labor in general was alive and well in the 19th century in any number of Islamic societies. It is argued by some that slavery is alive and well, still, in East Africa, particularly the Sudan; that prison labor in the Soviet Union was nothing more than slave labor; and that use of prisoners in the US for roadwork is a form of slave labor, which is one reason why the Chain Gang is not quite as common as it once was. The story in Cool Hand Luke is now more of a period piece, even an anachronism. :D
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete