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What is the greatest moral challenge of our times?
Hat tip to Jaume, who started this discussion elsewhere. I think it's a good discussion to revamp periodically anyway. New events and knowledge may prompt us to shift our opinion on what the greatest moral challenge of our times is.
As informed atheist thinkers and secular humanists, what do you think is the greatest moral challenge of our times?
Here are my thoughts: the greatest challenge is to stop the exploitation of the poor by the rich, of underdeveloped countries by the developed world. In order to do that, we need to change the current prevailing socio-economic model that we have in the Western world (and that seems to be taking root elsewhere, for example in China, Japan would be another example, no surprise that Japan is among the original founders of the G-8). We cannot have gluttonous consumption of resources and expect sustained, increased economic growth and utilization of natural resources. I feel that if we manage to change the socio-economic models, other things I think are big moral challenges will improve: the environment, treatment of animals destined for consumption, etc.
If I knew how to achieve this, I'd be running for President, I suppose. One idea that comes to mind is we need more education, more information, real democracies with truly free media, and yes, more regulation to foster greater fairness.
I look forward to your opinion.
Tags: consumption, development, economy, education, exploitation, human rights, moral challenge
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dallas the Phallus on -
I've spoken on this before, and pretty much agree with the OP, so I'm just going to follow this to see what others have to say.
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Permalink Reply by fester60613 on -
I agree that stopping the exploitation of the poor by the rich is very important. However, there is a burgeoning food shortage that will soon turn into a problem of global proportions. We have to make sure the poor don't starve to death before we can help them escape their exploitation... if that's even possible. History would seem to demonstrate that the poor always have been exploited in some way or another by the rich. Perhaps it's merely a part of the human condition that won't be solved until economic and social equity have been achieved?
And then I wonder what the moral choices might be to achieve those equities?
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Permalink Reply by Adriana on -
Thanks for commenting, Rich. I think that part of the food shortage problem is exactly the exploitation, not only of people but of the environment as well. We need to curb consumption and waste in the developed world. We can feed everybody if wealth was distributed more equally, and waste and obscene consumption was limited. Also, empowering women in third world countries is a great idea (empowering women in general is a great idea) because that's the most effective way of achieving population control. Very few women would be permanent baby factories if it was in their control. In the meantime, the Church continues to oppose contraception and abortion. Now THAT's immoral.
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Permalink Reply by fester60613 on
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The food shortage is caused by environmental changes. Floods are on the rise (take the pun where you find it) and droughts are starting to become more severe. We simply can't grow as much food as we used to grow. The corn crops have been decimated and prices keep rising. There have been food riots in India and several parts of Africa. So the crisis is bad and getting worse.
Empowering women is a tried and true method of getting families out of poverty. Microloans in India and the middle east have proven that.
As for the church - well! Don't get me started. Some ass wipe Cardinal was going on about global warming the other day. One would think that with the church's abysmal history of anti-science and getting it just plain wrong these idiots would just STFU. I'd like to bitch slap a few cardinals... and Ratzi should be arrested and thrown into a dungeon at Castlefranco - on general principle. See? I got started!
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Permalink Reply by Adriana on
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You are correct, food shortages are getting worse because of climate change.
Get started all you want with the Church, it's one of my favorite subjects to get going on, LOL. The last thing we need is bishops speaking about climate change, they are so knowledgeable about science! Gag me.
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Permalink Reply by Jean Marie on -
uhm, for me, personally, my greatest moral challenge is not killing my theist rightwinger neighbors....
just kidding.
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Permalink Reply by Bay_Naam on -
I hope i got it right, for me the greatest moral dilemma is not giving freedom of expressions and thoughts(non violent) to fellow humans.
I wish there are more naked marathon in western world. I wish there are more naked prayers( muslims prayers) on xxx tubes( in the coutries where internet is common like), with proper check and balance by atheist think tanks. I wish there are more atheist video games books and rhymes for kids.
u can ask Why and How questions?
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Permalink Reply by Adriana on
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You are right, Secret, it is sometimes easy for us in countries with relative freedom of expression to realize how bad it is when freedom of expression is not granted to all. It is a serious human rights issue. Thanks for bringing it up.
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Permalink Reply by Adriana on
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Redistribution of waelth does not mean a Robin Hood approach of taking money from people and giving it top people in the pockets to spend as they please. In my mind, it means fair taxes so that education, health care and other important issues are available to everybody. Redistribution of wealth means fair salaries, working conditions, and diminishing the gap between the richest and the poorest; it means more people in the middle class, with access to good education.
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