Jazz for aficionados

No matter which bias we might have, there is something called 'Ethics'.

We are lucky enough that some great minds took lot of time and effort to come up with some principles. So, if you dont mind, I will post some, from one 'German guy.' (perhaps Rok new the dude.....joke)

Kant characterized the  ' Categorical Imperative', as an objective, rationally necessary and unconditional principle that we must always follow despite any natural desires or inclinations we may have to the contrary. All specific moral requirements, according to Kant, are justified by this principle, which means that all immoral actions are irrational because they violate the CI.

Furthermore, he describes two subsidary principles... The Universal Principle of Right, which governs issues about justice, rights and external acts that can be coercively enforced, holds that “Any action is right if it can coexist with everyone’s freedom in accordance with a universal law, or if on its maxim the freedom of choice of each can coexist with everyone’s freedom in accordance with a universal law”

The Supreme Principle of the Doctrine of Virtue, which governs questions about moral ends, attitudes, and virtue, requires us to “act in accordance with a maxim of ends that it can be a universal law for everyone to have”

I would be a lot more receptive to Kant if he had not been German.   Those people can 'logically' justify anything.

Instead of the 'Categorical Imperative' principle, I prefer the American system.  That is Government by, for and of the People.   Logical or not.

Kant's principles depend on someone defining the terms 'moral' and 'right'.

Remember, no German Law was violated during WWII.

Cheers

If we put obvious written prejudices about Germans a side, do you talk about 'American system' as something that exists in praxis?
Unfortunately, it seems that many Americans would object the way the systems is treating them and beter not to start what woud people from many different parts of the world would have to say about that 'system' as well. Not only in present time....

I am comfortable with the fact that my sense of what is ethical and just is shaped mostly by my religion; a religion in which logic cannot be the end all and there has to be at least a degree of faith, a great symbol of our humanity, in the mix.  Just as the religious (to some degree) individual cannot always embrace logic as the final arbiter of what is ethical, neither can our government function as it was designed by removing the concept of God and religion (faith) from its conceptual makeup.  The movement to remove religion and spirituality is, as I see it,  the very cause of so much that is unethical and unjust.  In spite of our many disagreements in the realm of music and the offshoots of those disagreements, my feelings about all this align pretty well with Rok's.  

***** Unfortunately, it seems that many Americans would object the way the systems is treating them and beter not to start what woud people from many different parts of the world would have to say about that 'system' as well. Not only in present time....*****

I am sure many would 'object', but not to the point where they would exercise their right to leave.   The entire world is trying to get to this 'imperfect' country.  Mexico, a foreign country, even demands the 'right' for it's people to illegally enter and remain in this country.   You gotta laugh.

Past injustices:   Well, compared to most countries our 'injustices' pale in comparison.   Also, under a system ruled by Kant(German), you would have to get rid of the injustices immediately, or, enshrine them into law.   Under the American system we work on them, and kick the can down the road when we have to,  until a solution is at hand.   The constitutional convention and the issue of slavery is a prime example.

***** If we put obvious written prejudices about Germans a side *****

If we do this, there is nothing left.  :)

Cheers