ELEPHANT TO PLATT:
You wrote, quite correctly in my veiw:
> So again to answer your question: The MOQ has no qualms,
> morally, for human intellect to destroy other species (trees, germs,
> flowers, butterflies, dolphin, baby harp seals or whatever) so long
> as the levels which support intellect (inorganic, biological, social)
> remain stable and viable, i.e., are not weakened in the process.
But my point has been one about where the balance of proof ought to lie, as
to whether or not this or that act of human imperialism tends to weaken the
levels, inorganic and biological, that support the existence of those
(human) beings which possess the conditions necessary (but not sufficient!)
to the possesion of intellect.
Since in general the advantage to be got by destrying this or that ecosystem
is generally marginal (ie increases GDP), whereas the the potential
disadvantages from the break down of ecosystems are global (ie the
extinction of life in general including ourselves), I suggest that we can
formulate a rule: Human beings should tread carefully in the case of every
species, including Dolphins, except ones where either (1) the biology is
perpetrating unecessary suffering (viruses, or if Dolphins are attacking
swimers in 'frisco bay) or (2) the fate of the human race at large is in the
balance (it is moral to kill aids and it is moral to get rid of plutonium,
and would be moral to kill Dolphins if they ever got the Bomb).
In short: absolute dangers should always outweigh marginal advances.
(the precautionary principle)
I want to get away from the idea that MOQ somehow entitles human beings to
do what the hell they like and damm the consequences. The requirements of
intellect are higher than those of the human species, and we might not have
a direct phone line to tell us what they are.
Unless you do?
You do?
Great.
Have you got God's number, BTW?
Elephant.
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