tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2055583406917680385.post8902446761065683915..comments2023-05-19T09:55:15.881+01:00Comments on Analysis and Synthesis: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn RandRichard Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17869390364282686725noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2055583406917680385.post-89973322735116880822012-09-05T07:10:48.515+01:002012-09-05T07:10:48.515+01:00Atlas Shrugged Part 2 will be in theaters October ...Atlas Shrugged Part 2 will be in theaters October 12th, 2012.Jayemelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17427813131123839074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2055583406917680385.post-91507216292402030042012-09-02T08:34:39.520+01:002012-09-02T08:34:39.520+01:00There might not be a third variable. That is, our ...There might not be a third variable. That is, our actions might not all be explicable on the basis of principles and data that are given in terms of values and motives. When we describe our decisions in those human terms, some of our actions may appear to be random. This could be so, even if a description or ourselves and of the world in terms of physics and neurons would show that there were sufficient reasons for all of our actions.Richard Baronhttp://www.rbphilo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2055583406917680385.post-32557852755591261562012-09-02T08:28:53.943+01:002012-09-02T08:28:53.943+01:00It is reasonable to have a Welfare State. Were thi...It is reasonable to have a Welfare State. Were this not to exist, then the very rich and very powerful, might have to cope with the unpleasant sides of extreme poverty, for instance brigandage, the sight of the Poor, unpleasant odours etc. And so, it is reasonable.<br /><br />It is also compassionate to have a welfare state.<br /><br />The existence and the coming into being of the Welfare State are most probably the result of both reason and compassion, however when it comes to acts for which the individual is solely responsible, then the situation becomes more complex.<br /><br />It may, for intance be 'reasonable' to never give money to a homeless person. .. Otherwise if one had to give to all homeless people then it would be never ending.<br /><br />One might say it is compassionate and kind to never give money to a homeless person, for s/he might spend the money on drugs or alcohol, or if s/he is given money then the homeless person would always expect hand-outs and would gradually lose the incentive and motivation to be independent financially and to start to strive for that goal.<br /><br />And so you might say that one is free to choose whether or not to give, and that this, in a market economy is a good thing.<br /><br />... But what interests me is that sometimes one may choose to give and at other times one may choose not to give. Whether or not the prospective recipient of cash is virtuous or otherwise, seems not to enter into the equation, as a chance encounter with a seller of the Big Issue would not be sufficient for a casual passer-by to assess the virtue or otherwise of the person in need.<br /><br />My question to you is what you think governs that decision, for it cannot be based totally on reason as reason is consistent. Neither can it be solely based on compassion, as this too, is consistent.<br /><br />So, in your opinion, what is this other unnamed variable?Sue G.noreply@blogger.com