Reply #67: good post! [View All]

[ulTRAX]

lapislzi wrote: "I have very few "core values," but the ones I do hold are cast in stone, and all else springs from them. It's what saves me from moral relativism. Compassion is one. Rationality is another."

Good post. Quick notes. Many claim they believe values X, Y or Z. How does one evaluate that claim? My test is to often ignore language and look for the internal consistency in their positions. For example the Right CLAIMED they wanted to get rid of the estate tax to protect small businesses and farms. The Democrats called their bluff and introduced a bill doing exactly that and the Right rejected it. It was clear that their STATED values were smokescreens for their hidden agenda... elimination of the estate tax for the super rich.
I think looking for such underlying consistencies is often more enlightening than listening to what a person is saying... especially in politics.

Conversely.... what would be a test for evaluating how important a value/principle is to a person? I'd maintain it looking for evidence how they implement that value/principle. Does a person try to clarify their values? Where does it stand compared to others in their hierarchy of values? Is one consistent in applying a value when relevant? Is one trying to identify and overcome obstacles that stand in the way?