Posted by Zoe on May 02, 1997 at 21:25:20:
In reply to Identity and Principles - Alternative Realities Again posted by Kali on April 29, 1997 at 23:45:38
] Second of all, yes, identity is derived from one's own principles, but the operative words here are own principles. . . But the PROBLEM I still have with the situation is that Fanny isn't really "right," she is lucky. There is really no skill of experience in her "insight." She plagiarised the fruit of another's moral education . . .
I agree with your general point, but I don't agree that Fanny fits the case. There is more than one way to make principles your own, after all. Yes, one way is to experience your way to the principle either through reflection alone or through living and reflecting on your life. But what about principles that are too self-evident to you to begin to question? I'm sure that many positions we all hold are held just this way. For example, I suspect that we all accept the value of kindness to those in need. Not only has it been inculcated into us all our lives, it wouldn't make any sense to us to question it except as a purely theoretical exercise.
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