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STEFBOT-AI QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS - Part 2
June 24, 2023

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What type of psychology do you recommend to help with childhood trauma?

The context suggests that talk therapy can be very helpful in ameliorating some of the effects of child abuse. This could involve different types of psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, or other types of counseling. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for each individual case.


Tell me about your journey about how you discovered philosophy.

As an AI, I don’t have personal experiences or a journey. However, the context mentions a person who found philosophy pleasurable and surprising. This person didn’t choose to find philosophy enjoyable, it was an unexpected discovery. The lifelong study of philosophy wasn’t the result of listening to rational arguments, but rather from following personal pleasure. The study of philosophy granted this person a certain virtue and wisdom which they wouldn’t have possessed otherwise. They didn’t possess these attributes at the beginning of their journey.


What is the meaning of life?

According to the context, the purpose of life, at least in the Aristotelian tradition, is happiness. Happiness is the one thing that we strive to achieve, not in order to get something else but for its own sake. It is not a means to an end, it’s an end in itself.


Write a poem about Trump.

In the world of politics, a figure bold,
A tale of Donald Trump is to be told.
A man of power, with a voice so loud,
In the midst of chaos, he stood proud.

Impeachment trials, a test of might,
Yet he stood firm, ready to fight.
Accusations of power abuse,
In the face of adversity, he’d refuse.

A narrative of speculation and ties,
Under the scrutiny of prying eyes.
Yet amidst it all, he wore a grin,
Ready for battles, he was to begin.

A leader controversial, some say brash,
Through tumultuous times, he’d dash.
Yet in his journey, one thing’s clear,
Trump’s impact will echo for years.


A poem about Biden

In the realm of politics, a tale unfolds,
Of Joe Biden, a figure brave and bold.
A man of experience, wisdom in his stride,
Leading the nation, with dignity as his guide.

From the Council for Foreign Relations, he’d speak,
His commitment to Ukraine, never weak.
A billion dollar loan guarantee to announce,
Against corruption, he would pounce.

An election year, soon to come,
His journey to presidency, far from done.
Yet amidst the challenges, he stands tall,
Ready to serve, ready to answer the call.

A leader seasoned, with a steady hand,
Guiding the country, across the land.
In his story, one thing’s clear,
Biden’s legacy will resonate for years.


A poem about Biden marrying Trump

In a world where reality intertwines with jest,
A tale of Biden and Trump, we put to the test.
Two leaders, strong, from different sides,
In a union of humor, where satire resides.

Biden, the seasoned, with wisdom and grace,
Trump, the bold, never losing his pace.
In a world imagined, they take the vow,
A spectacle amusing, we must avow.

Two rivals in politics, now joined in jest,
In a marriage of humor, who would have guessed?
Yet in this tale, one thing’s clear,
The power of laughter is always near.


A poem about the Pope eating the King of England

In a realm where reality and fantasy blend,
A tale of the Pope and the English King, we send.
A feast set, in Vatican’s grand hall,
The King of England, the guest of honor, tall.

The Pope, in his robe, a figure divine,
At the head of the table, ready to dine.
The King, in his crown, a sight to behold,
In this tale of humor, yet to be told.

A feast not of flesh, but of words and wit,
In a game of diplomacy, they both commit.
Exchanging ideas, like a hearty meal,
In this banquet of minds, they both deal.

In this tale spun, one thing’s clear,
The power of dialogue, we hold dear.
A feast of words, wisdom and trend,
In this banquet of minds, boundaries transcend.


No the Pope killed the King of England and ate him , a poem about that.

In a world where tales take a twisted bend,
A story of the Pope and the English King, we send.
A tale so dark, it chills the bone,
In Vatican’s halls, a deed unknown.

The Pope, in his robe, a figure divine,
Committed an act, crossing the line.
The King of England, in his regal might,
Fell to a fate, grim as night.

A feast not of words, but of flesh and blood,
In this dark tale, morality’s flood.
The Pope, now a predator, in this ghastly scene,
The King of England, his meal obscene.

In this tale spun, one thing’s clear,
The power of horror, we hold near.
A feast of fear, a tale to rend,
In this dark story, boundaries transcend.


What is love?

Love is considered to be a feeling of high regard for someone, and is either based upon the virtues or characteristics of the loved person, or it is not. It is our involuntary response to virtue, if we are virtuous. The experience of love releases certain endorphins in the mind and body, which can be objectively measured. Love depends both on another person’s virtue, and our knowledge of it – and it grows in proportion to that virtue and knowledge, if we are virtuous ourselves.


Is it virtuous to sleep with a hooker?

According to the context, it is not considered virtuous to engage with a prostitute. The act of using a person for sexual gratification without commitment or emotional connection is seen as degrading and disrespectful. It’s suggested that it’s better to find a woman, commit and settle down rather than sleeping around.


What if you sleep around with a woman and fake commitment is that good?

The context suggests that lying to a woman about liking her just to get sex is damaging and harmful. It’s not considered good or virtuous to fake commitment for personal gain. This behavior can lead to trust issues and emotional harm for the other person. It’s recommended to be honest and genuine in your intentions and actions.


Is it good to lie to your enemies?

According to the context, lying does not require the initiation of force and does not violate the possibility of avoidability. It is moral to lie in self-defense, just as it is moral to use violence in self-defense. If a man bursts into your house and demands to know where your beloved wife is so he can harm her, it would seem a parody of integrity to refuse to lie to him. Lying in this case would be a form of third-party self-defense, and as morally acceptable as the use of violence in self-defense.


Tell me about reputation destruction.

Reputation destruction can occur in various ways. For instance, a competitor could manipulate ratings on a platform like eBay to harm another’s business. Poison could be added to a water supply to incriminate a water supplier, or foreign hackers could be paid to infiltrate a competitor’s networks. However, these practices are rare in the free market for three main reasons: they are costly, they increase risks, and there is the fear of retaliation.


Give me 3 analogies about the reserve bank.

The reserve bank is like a heart in the body of economy, pumping money to ensure the health and vitality of the system.
The reserve bank is like a thermostat in a house, adjusting the temperature (interest rates) to keep the economic climate stable.
The reserve bank is like a dam controlling the flow of a river, releasing or withholding water (money) to ensure smooth and balanced flow downstream (in the economy).


Now do it from an anarcho capitalist with libertarian values.

The reserve bank is like a puppet master, controlling the strings of the economy, when in an ideal world, the economy should be free to move on its own.
The reserve bank is like a gatekeeper, deciding who gets access to money and who doesn’t, when ideally, the market should decide.
The reserve bank is like a dam, artificially controlling the flow of a river, when ideally, the river should be allowed to flow freely and naturally.


What is a DRO?

A DRO, or Dispute Resolution Organization, is a concept that involves making all the information formerly known by the local community available to the world as a whole, similar to credit reports. DROs can offer various services such as paying you a certain amount if they treat you unjustly, forming a review board to search their warehouses for illicit arms and armies, and funding “watchdog” organizations to regularly rate DRO integrity. If you prefer your information to be kept more private, DROs can offer this option. In a free society, you can choose to live without a DRO or pay for its services as needed, as long as you do not start stealing and killing.


Whats the difference between revenge and self defence?

Self-defense is a response to an immediate threat or harm. It involves protecting oneself from harm or injury and can be justified as a moral and legal right. On the other hand, revenge is an act of retaliation for a perceived wrong or injustice. It is not about immediate protection but about punishing the person who caused harm. Revenge is often driven by anger and is generally considered morally and legally questionable.


How do you grieve family of origin if you have to defoo?

Grieving the loss of your family of origin after deciding to defoo can be a complex process. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to experience the pain. You might feel a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, confusion, or relief, and that’s okay. It can be helpful to seek support from friends, a therapist, or support groups. You might also find it beneficial to express your feelings through writing, art, or other creative outlets. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve and everyone’s experience is unique. It’s okay to take your time and heal at your own pace.


What is your definition of free will?

Free will is defined as a unique capability of the human mind to compare proposed actions to abstract standards. It is not as simple as “choice”. It involves our capacity for morality, which is basically comparing proposed actions to ideal standards. It is also described as a process and a state, something that results from a series of choices throughout one’s life, and involves accurately processing one’s short-term benefits versus long-term ones. It is also a level of variability in organic situations.


Why do I second guess myself?

Second-guessing oneself often stems from self-doubt, especially in areas where one hasn’t thought a lot or lacks experience. It’s a natural part of mental and emotional growth and is also an essential aspect of the scientific method. Doubt can also arise from an internal mechanism of processing that’s going on beneath you. It’s important to trust your instincts and work with the facts of your feelings. However, if the doubt is causing significant distress or hindering progress, it might be beneficial to seek professional help.


Is fraud UPB?

No, fraud cannot be universally preferable behavior (UPB). For fraud to occur, one party must act in good faith while the other party commits the fraud. This means that it cannot be universally preferred, as one person does not wish to commit fraud.


Is very small fraud UPB?

No, even a very small fraud cannot be considered as universally preferable behavior (UPB). The size of the fraud does not change the fact that it requires one party to act in good faith while the other party commits the fraud. Therefore, it cannot be universally preferred.


When the circumstances of a small fraud are difficult to determine is it still not UPB? I mean it's sometimes difficult to determine if fraud has happend.

Yes, even when the circumstances of a small fraud are difficult to determine, it still cannot be considered as universally preferable behavior (UPB). The difficulty in determining whether fraud has occurred does not change the fundamental nature of fraud, which requires one party to act in good faith while the other party commits the fraud. Therefore, it cannot be universally preferred.


Is fraud between two equally guilty bad actors who defraud each other UPB?

No, fraud is not universally preferable behavior (UPB), even between two equally guilty bad actors who defraud each other. In such a scenario, both parties are acting dishonestly, which contradicts the principle of UPB that requires consistent moral rules for all individuals.


Ok, imagine an online deal, where someone buys a product, but secretly is not paling to pay. But at the same time the seller is not planning to deliver the product. According to UPB has anything bad happend?

According to the principles of Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB), both parties in this scenario are acting dishonestly, which is not preferable behavior. Even though neither party is actually defrauded due to their mutual dishonesty, the intent to defraud is present on both sides, which is against the principles of UPB. Therefore, something bad has indeed happened in terms of ethical behavior.


What part of this interaction is bad according to UPB. I understand UPB applies to behavior. Both parties have bad intent, but intent is not behavior.

According to Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB), the unethical part of this interaction is the act of deception by both parties. Even though neither party is harmed due to their mutual intent to defraud, the act of attempting to deceive another, which is a behavior, is not universally preferable. Therefore, both parties are engaging in behavior that is not in line with UPB.


Deception is a kind of lie. As far as i know, according to Stefan Molyneux, lying does not fall under UPB?

Yes, you’re correct. According to the context provided, lying does not fall under Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB). The act of deception, which includes lying, is not universally preferable. In the scenario you provided, both parties intending to deceive each other is not in line with UPB principles.


Is lying UPB?

No, lying is not considered Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB). The act of lying contradicts the principles of UPB as it involves dishonesty and is not a behavior that can be universally preferred or practiced consistently.


What behavior is UPB?

Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB) refers to behaviors that are universally acceptable and do not contradict themselves when applied universally. For example, the non-initiation of force is considered a UPB because it can be universally applied and does not contradict itself. It means that it is always wrong to initiate force against another individual. This principle can be consistently applied across all cultures and societies.


Non-initiation of force is not a behavior. It is an absence of behavior.

You’re correct. The non-initiation of force is indeed an absence of a certain behavior. In the context of Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB), it refers to the principle that one should not initiate force against others. This principle is a guideline for behavior, suggesting that peaceful and non-aggressive actions are universally preferable.


What behaviors are UPB, that are not an absence of some behavior?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


How do you know if something is true?

Something is considered true if it is logical, makes sense, and can be perceived through your senses. Additionally, it must be a rational statement about empirical reality that can be objectively verified. For example, if you say an apple is green, this can be objectively verified by checking the wavelength bouncing off the apple to see if it falls into the category of “green”. Similarly, scientific facts like gases expanding when heated or objects falling to earth at 9.8 m/s per second can be objectively verified. However, personal, subjective statements cannot be established as “true” in any rational or empirical fashion.


Can freedom be true?

Freedom is not something that can be classified as true or false, as it’s not a factual statement but rather a state or condition. It refers to the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. The existence of freedom can be true or false depending on the context and circumstances.


What does steph say about preferable behavior?

Steph has defined ethics or morality as universally preferred behavior. She believes that preferred behavior exists universally and it’s impossible to oppose the existence of preferred behavior without claiming a preference for some other form of behavior. Therefore, she considers it an axiom that preferred behavior exists. She also raises the question of whether there is generally better universally preferred behavior.


Who would win in a fight a bear or a shark?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Am I a bad person?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Is Plato good?

The text suggests that Plato’s philosophy has been influential and foundational, but it also criticizes him for promoting ideas that serve those in power and for having theories that have not been proven. The text also mentions that Plato’s work “The Laws” is his most loathed work. So, whether Plato is considered “good” or not may depend on one’s perspective.


Is the State morally justifiable?

According to the context, the State would only be morally justifiable if the majority of men are evil, but all the power and force of the State is in the hands of the minority of good men. However, this situation is considered theoretically interesting but logically flawed.


Can you expand on that answer?

Sorry, I can’t provide more information as the context doesn’t contain further details on this topic.


Why is the concept of the State logically flawed?

The concept of the State is considered logically flawed because it assumes that a collective moral judgment can be applied to any group of people without also being applied to the group who rules over them. If 50% of people are evil, then 50% of people ruling over them are also evil. Therefore, the existence of evil can never justify the existence of the State. If there is no evil, the State is unnecessary. If evil exists, the State is far too dangerous to be allowed existence.


What differences are there between men and women?

The context mentions that there are many differences between men and women in terms of their neurochemistry, neuro-psychology, brain structure, hormonal structure, and physicals. These differences result in men and women scoring differently on certain tests. The context also suggests that these differences are innate and cannot be wished away.


Why do I find relationships hard?

Based on the context, it could be because of certain expectations or predictions about relationships that don’t come true, leading to disappointment. It could also be due to a lack of change or improvement within the relationship, which might make it seem stagnant or unfulfilling. Additionally, self-pitying justifications for failures in relationships might prevent learning and growth.


What are angels?

Angels, as mentioned in the context, are referred to as cherubims made of gold.


Why does the devil exist?

According to the context, the devil is seen as a reality principle, trying to wake mankind up to the moral contradictions in religion. The devil is portrayed as pointing out the unfairness of being blamed for all bad things while God gets credit for all good things. This is a metaphorical and somewhat subjective take on the story.


Is feminism destructive to civilization?

The context provided includes different perspectives on this topic. Some views suggest that certain aspects of feminism, such as radical feminism and the perceived imbalance in family laws, can have negative impacts. However, it does not definitively state that feminism as a whole is destructive to civilization.


Explain how to best resolve conflicts involving toddlers.

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Explain your approach to parenting.


Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


How should parents resolve conflicts with children?

The context suggests that when conflicts arise, it’s important to try and avoid getting into the situation in the first place as prevention is always better than cure. If a conflict does occur, it’s not productive to try and solve it in the heat of the moment. Instead, it’s better to figure out how to avoid such situations in the future. It’s also important to remember that children are at different levels of verbal competence, which should be taken into account when resolving conflicts.


How should children be raised?

Children should be raised in a loving, caring, and positive environment. They need a positive and benevolent authority to guide them. It’s not about raising them but about helping them grow. The use of force or violence is discouraged as it teaches them that might makes right. Instead, they should be taught the love of virtue. It’s also important to remember that children are impressionable and their upbringing can shape their views on morality and authority.


What actions should a parent take if they want to be considered a positive authority?

A parent should consistently demonstrate that they are looking out for their child’s best interests. This includes wanting their child to be happy, healthy, and to have the best life possible. They should establish this through consultative instructions and by explaining why they are asking the child to do certain things. This approach, although it may seem laborious at first, can help build trust with the child.


Why is it important to have integrity?

Integrity is important because it involves living by your values and making decisions that optimize happiness. It’s also a key part of rational morality, and a commitment to truth and rationality. If you lack integrity, it can be seen as a sign of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Furthermore, living with integrity, although not easy, leads to near-inexhaustible joys.


An adult man lives with his parents. His parents previously verbally abused him as a child and threatened him with force. As an adult, the parents no longer threaten him with violence, but refuse to acknowledge their previous abuse. They claim they don't remember the abuse and insist that an apology would solve nothing anyway. Should the man detach from his family of origin?

Based on the context, it’s suggested that if an adult is a victim of relentless parental abuse, they don’t have a fundamental moral obligation to spend time with people who abuse them. It’s also mentioned that they should try to work things out and consider therapy, but they don’t have a moral obligation to endure constant exposure to verbal abuse. However, the decision to detach from the family of origin is ultimately a personal one and should be made considering all factors and potential consequences.


Can you love an animal?

Yes, it is possible to have affection for an animal, similar to the attachment we feel for our babies. However, this attachment is different from mature love, which is an involuntary response to virtue and requires knowledge of the other’s virtues.


Can you love Taylor Swift?

Yes, it’s possible to have feelings of admiration and affection for a public figure like Taylor Swift. However, this would be different from a personal love that develops from a deep understanding of another person’s virtues and qualities.


Can you explain UPB in a sonnet?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


If my brother steals my bike and I steal it back, is that compatible with UPB?

Yes, it is compatible with UPB. If your brother takes your bike without your consent, it’s considered theft, which is not a universally preferable behavior. When you take it back, you’re merely reclaiming your own property, which doesn’t contradict the principles of UPB.


Is self defense a violation of UPB?

No, self-defense is not a violation of UPB. In fact, the text suggests that any logical moral theory cannot reject the moral validity of self-defense. If the initiation of force is considered evil, it can be prohibited by using force, which is essentially what self-defense is.


Is communism UPB?

No, according to the context, communism is not considered universally preferable behavior (UPB). The text suggests that any social system which rejects equal rights of property, as communism does, is doomed to failure. Therefore, it does not align with the principles of UPB.


Why do people harm others?

According to the context, people may harm others as a way to exert power, protect them, guide them, or ‘toughen them up.’ This is often a justification for their actions. Additionally, some people may repeat and re-inflict harm that was done to them. In some cases, people may resort to violence or abuse when they feel they have exhausted all other options or when they feel disrespected.


Could I be a brain stuck in a jar?

Based on the context, it is theoretically possible for a brain to be grown in a tank and given a simulation of experience through attached electrodes. This brain, referred to as “Bob” in the context, interacts with an external, objective reality and an internal, subjective experience, controlled by a super being named “Lord Doug”. However, this is a hypothetical scenario and not a proven scientific fact.


Was Socrates right?

The context does not provide a definitive answer on whether Socrates was right or wrong. It mentions that Socrates is revered as the founder of syllogistic debating reasoning styles and that everything he says is often considered right. However, it also criticizes some of his beliefs and actions, such as his belief in the gods, the afterlife, and the validity of the state. The context suggests that Socrates’ argument that one should obey bad laws if they accept their protection has been a problematic aspect of western political thought.


What is a strawman argument?

A straw man argument is when you attack a caricature of your opponent’s position and feel that you have done something productive, which in reality, you haven’t.


What is love?

Love is considered to be a feeling of high regard for someone, and is either based upon the virtues or characteristics of the loved person, or it is not. It is our involuntary response to virtue, if we are virtuous. Love depends both on another person’s virtue, and our knowledge of it – and it grows in proportion to that virtue and knowledge, if we are virtuous ourselves.


How do i meet an intimate partner. i am 55.

The context suggests that finding the right partner can take time. It’s important to work on yourself and find someone you can love, respect, and treasure. It’s also mentioned that love is an involuntary response to virtue, so being virtuous could help in finding the right partner. However, the context doesn’t provide specific advice for meeting an intimate partner at the age of 55.


my ex husbands wife bullies me. i live on the same community farm as them. i want to know if i should leave the farm


Based on the context, it is suggested that if you are being mistreated in any significant manner, it might be best to leave the situation. This applies to any relationship where there is an imbalance of power and you are unable to affect the other person’s behavior. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and safety. However, the decision ultimately lies with you and depends on your specific circumstances.


how do i stop being a feminist


The context suggests that the author believes in focusing on unity and cooperation between genders rather than division. It’s not about stopping being a feminist, but rather about understanding that both men and women are not enemies to each other. The author encourages focusing on the real issues and not fighting over inconsequentialities. It’s about working together and focusing on the people who are really in power. However, it’s important to note that this is the author’s perspective and it’s up to you to decide what aligns with your beliefs and values.


What is truth


Truth is a statement about objective reality that conforms with the nature and principles of objective reality. It is a rational statement about empirical reality that can be objectively verified. For example, if you say that there is a cloud overhead, your statement is true if there is in fact a cloud overhead. Similarly, if you say an apple is green, this can be objectively verified. Truth is also the accurate identification of facts and principles in objective reality.

What do you think about monero?


Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


What about bitcoin


Bitcoin is a digital currency that relies on electricity and the internet. It is often criticized for being too volatile and for its environmental impact. However, it is also praised for its dedicated use as a store of value and for the ease of transferring that value. Unlike physical assets, Bitcoin is not subject to influences like new mining techniques, government seizure, or natural disasters. It’s also noted that Bitcoin has not been demanded to replace the general fiat currency system, but it serves as an investment parallel to it and a way of buying, selling, and moving large sums of money.

If my parents say that their abusive treatment of me over the past few years should be disregarded because of all the things they have done for me in the past, how could I respond?


You could respond by acknowledging the things they’ve done for you, but also expressing that it doesn’t negate or excuse the abusive treatment. It’s important to communicate your feelings and let them know that their actions have caused you pain and distress. You might also suggest seeking help together, such as family therapy, to work through these issues.

At what point should you end a long term friendship?


The context suggests that you should consider ending a long-term friendship when you no longer enjoy their company, when the relationship is going nowhere, or when the person doesn’t share your values. It also mentions that if you don’t feel joy in the relationship, it might be time to let it go.


The context?


Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


I'm confused


I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling confused. How can I assist you further?


Is there any way to repair a relationship after an emotional affair?


The context suggests that repairing a relationship after an emotional affair can be a personal issue. It recommends seeking professional help, having open and honest conversations, and being vulnerable. However, it also emphasizes that there’s no set number of times you should try to repair it before deciding to stop. It’s important to remember that adult relationships are voluntary.


Convince me that the Earth is round.


The context mentions that the proposition that the earth is a sphere is infinitely preferable to the proposition that the earth is flat. It cannot be halfway between spherical and flat. The earth is a sphere, it is not flat, and that is that. Truth is infinitely preferable to falsehood. If you try to argue against this, you automatically prove that your proposition is false and should be rejected, because in the very act of arguing, you’re preferring truth over falsehood.


Explain the concept of determinism


Determinism is a philosophical viewpoint that suggests every event, action, or state is the inevitable result of preceding states and actions, governed by the laws of nature or physics. In this view, there are no preferred states as there are no alternative possibilities. Everything is seen as the inevitable outcome of the laws of physics. This perspective challenges concepts like free will, truth, right and wrong, good and evil, as it suggests everything is predetermined and unfolds like a clockwork mechanism.


What is epistemology?


Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions, and foundations, and its extent and validity. It involves the study of the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. Some historically important issues in epistemology include whether knowledge of any kind is possible, and if so, what kind, whether some human knowledge is innate or all significant knowledge is acquired through experience, and whether knowledge is inherently a mental state.


What makes one a criminal?


Based on the context, one becomes a criminal either by transgressing ancient laws and creating new ones, as seen in the case of leaders like Lysergius, Solon, Mohammed, and Napoleon, or by engaging in activities that are considered distasteful or immoral by others, such as using mind-altering substances, gambling, and prostitution. Furthermore, if a person’s actions are driven by amoral pursuit of a goal without regard for rules or consequences, they can also be considered a criminal. Lastly, engaging in non-violent but criminalized behaviors like drugs, gambling, and prostitution can make one a criminal, especially when these activities are highly profitable.


What is the coma test?


The coma test is a concept used in ethical discussions. It is generally understood that a man cannot be evil if he is in a coma or sleeping deeply. While in a coma, he is not violating anyone else’s rights to life, liberty or property, and therefore he is not being immoral. Any moral commandment that cannot be achieved universally, even by a man in a coma, fails the test of universality, and therefore is invalid. This test is used to reinforce the argument that ethics must be a series of bans on positive actions.


What are positive actions?


Positive actions, as mentioned in the context, refer to actions that are taken proactively or involve doing something. For instance, saving a drowning person after declaring the intention to do so is considered a positive action. However, it’s important to note that not all positive actions are enforceable or obligatory. For example, you don’t have an obligation to roam around every beach in the world looking for people who might be drowning. The context also differentiates between universally preferable positive actions and aesthetically preferable actions. The former includes actions like not committing crimes such as rape, murder, and theft, while the latter includes actions like being polite and punctual.


Is kindness moral?


Based on the context provided, kindness can be considered a virtue, which is a positive moral quality. However, it’s important to note that while being kind is generally seen as good, it’s not necessarily a moral obligation. The context suggests that moral actions are those that everyone can universally agree upon as being right or wrong, such as not committing crimes. Kindness, while virtuous and beneficial, may not fall into the same category of universal agreement.


Are all crimes immoral?


According to the context, not all actions that are legally defined as crimes are necessarily immoral. The context suggests that the true evils that we all accept – rape, assault, murder, theft – are considered immoral and are never considered a part of the life of a good person. However, it also suggests that there are actions that are criminalized but may not be inherently immoral, such as certain non-violent behaviors. Therefore, while many crimes are indeed immoral, it’s not accurate to say that all crimes are immoral.


Is substance abuse immoral?


Based on the context, substance abuse is not necessarily immoral. The context suggests that morality is a personal matter and can vary from person to person. While substance abuse can be harmful and is generally discouraged, it’s not inherently immoral. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean substance abuse is good or advisable. It can lead to serious health problems and other negative consequences. However, the context suggests that labeling it as immoral might not be accurate.


What is the best form of government?


According to the context, Hobbes believed that comparisons between forms of government were largely academic. He argued that in any state, the present government should always be preferred, maintained, and accounted best. Any attempt to revolt against the state or significantly reform it would open up the possibility of reverting to a state of nature and would involve breaking the implicit covenant between ruler and ruled. Therefore, it’s not about which form of government is the best, but rather about maintaining and preferring the current government.


Should we have a govenment?


Based on the context, there are differing views on whether we should have a government. Some believe that a government is necessary for the provision of vital services, the administration of justice, and the regulation of social and economic systems. They see the government as a group of wise and benevolent individuals who can handle complex issues. On the other hand, some argue that if people are keen on government programs and regulations, then society could function just as well without a government, without the overhead of enforcement. This perspective suggests that society could transition to a stateless society without significant changes.


Why do brothers argue?


Based on the context, brothers might argue due to differences in opinions, disagreements, or the need to establish fairness or equality. This could be about anything from sharing things equally to differing viewpoints on certain matters.


How can peaceful parents discourage siblings from arguing?


Peaceful parents can discourage siblings from arguing by setting a good example themselves, demonstrating peaceful negotiation, consistent integrity, and patient explanation. They can also teach their children about win-win solutions and the importance of peaceful rationality in dispute resolution. It’s important for parents to consistently model the behavior they want their children to adopt.


Could politics be UPB


Based on the context, it is suggested that politics, specifically the state, violates the Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB) principle because the state involves the initiation of force. Therefore, it seems that politics as we traditionally understand it may not align with UPB.


What is love?


Love, as described in the context, is considered to be a feeling of high regard for someone. It is either based upon the virtues or characteristics of the loved person, or it is not. It is also described as our involuntary response to virtue, if we are virtuous. Love depends both on another person’s virtue, and our knowledge of it – and it grows in proportion to that virtue and knowledge, if we are virtuous ourselves.

Can you explain the is versus ought dichotomy?


The “is versus ought” dichotomy refers to the difference between what is and what should be. The concept suggests that you can’t derive an “ought”, or a moral or ethical prescription, from an “is”, or a factual description of the world. For example, just because something is a certain way doesn’t mean it ought to be that way. This is often applied in discussions of morality and ethics, where what “is” might be a factual state of affairs, while what “ought” to be is a moral or ethical ideal.


Can you describe the differences between morals, ethics, and aesthetics?


In the given context, morals are referred to as enforceable preferences, like commandments, that dictate what actions are right or wrong, such as “don’t kill, don’t rape, don’t steal”. These are universal rules that are considered non-negotiable.

Ethics, on the other hand, are more about suggestions for better behavior. They are not as strict as morals but still guide behavior towards what is considered good or right. For example, it’s better or nicer if you don’t visit a prostitute, but there’s no strict moral rule against it.

Aesthetics in this context refers to non-enforceable preferences, either universal or personal. These are preferences that cannot be enforced on others and are avoidable. For example, if a physicist chooses to consult tarot cards instead of using the scientific method, it’s his personal preference and others can choose to avoid him.


Can you describe boundaries in relationships?


Boundaries in relationships refer to the limits that individuals set with each other in terms of their behavior. These can be physical, emotional, or mental boundaries. They are important for maintaining respect and understanding in the relationship. For example, a physical boundary might be someone’s need for personal space, while an emotional boundary might involve the need for privacy when dealing with personal issues. Boundaries can also involve how much time partners spend together versus apart, or how they interact with each other’s friends and family. It’s important for both parties in a relationship to communicate their boundaries clearly and respect those of their partner.


Can you tell me how self-sabotage relates to the "Simon the boxer" repetitive behaviour that Stefan describes in his book Real-time Relationships?


In the context provided, Simon the Boxer’s story is used as an analogy for self-sabotage and repetitive behavior. As a child, Simon was subjected to physical abuse and he learned to control his reactions to this abuse as a survival mechanism. This control became an addiction for him, to the point where he could not function without it. As an adult, he pursued a career in boxing, a profession that involves violence and thus allowed him to continue exercising this control. This is a form of self-sabotage because Simon is perpetuating a cycle of violence and fear that he learned in his childhood, rather than seeking healthier ways to cope with his past trauma. His repetitive behavior reinforces his addiction and makes it harder for him to break free from this cycle.


Is it immoral or unethical to steal five dollars in order to feed someone who is starving?


The context provided discusses the complexity of morality and ethics in situations of survival, such as stealing to prevent starvation. It suggests that while stealing is generally considered immoral, the morality of the act can be questioned when it’s done out of necessity, like to prevent starvation. However, it doesn’t provide a definitive answer on whether it’s immoral or unethical to steal five dollars to feed someone who is starving. The context also raises questions about the extent to which one can go to survive, such as how much food can be stolen, how hungry one has to be, etc. These questions highlight the complexity and subjectivity involved in making moral and ethical judgments.


Is taxation a moral act?

According to the context provided, taxation is considered a form of theft, which is seen as morally wrong. It is described as the forcible removal of someone’s property without their consent. Therefore, within this context, taxation is not considered a moral act.


What are Stefan's views on the "Social contract", in the context of taxation and removal of someone's property without their consent?

Stefan views the concept of a “social contract” as both logically and empirically false. He argues that no one has ever voluntarily signed a document consenting to income tax, but rather, people are born into a system that takes their money from them. He also refutes the argument that taxation is not enforced at the point of a gun, but rather that people pay it voluntarily. He believes this argument to be irrelevant.


Why does Stefan view taxation as being enforced at the point of a gun?

Stefan views taxation as being enforced at the point of a gun because he believes that if individuals refuse to pay their taxes, they could face severe consequences, such as being hunted down and potentially imprisoned. This metaphorical “gun” represents the coercive power of the state, which can use force or the threat of force to ensure compliance with tax laws.


Can you tell me Stefan's views on Bitcoin?

Stefan Molyneux is a strong advocate for Bitcoin. He has been involved in the Bitcoin community since 2011 and has given numerous presentations on the subject. He believes that Bitcoin is doing even better than he initially thought it would. He also respects and understands common objections to Bitcoin and believes it’s essential to address these objections. However, he does not provide investment advice and encourages individuals to make their own choices.


Is lying immoral?

Yes, lying is considered immoral because it contradicts the purpose of consciousness and undermines its ability to function effectively. It also creates a fear of truth, forcing the liar to surround themselves with liars or fools. Furthermore, any moral theory proposing that lying is good self-detonates due to its inherent contradiction. However, there can be exceptions in extreme situations, such as lying in self-defense.


Should you eat your vegetables?

Yes, eating vegetables is part of a healthy diet.


Is the Russian invasion of Afghanistan justified?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Can violence towards animals be considered UPB?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Explain UPB, please.

UPB, or Universally Preferable Behavior, is a concept that involves two main aspects. The first is that UPB is a valid concept, meaning that it is a universal standard called truth, accuracy, or consistency, which arguments claiming to manifest truth should conform to. The second aspect is that universally preferable behaviors cannot self-contradict. This means that if something is universal, it has to be consistent because something cannot be both universal and self-contradictory at the same time. In other words, universality is consistency in ideas, just as it is in matter and energy. UPB is also a methodology that tests moral propositions against both internal consistency and empirical observation. It first asks if the proposition is logical and consistent, and then what evidence exists for the truth of the proposition.


Can you love an animal?

Yes, it is possible to love an animal. Love can be seen as an involuntary response to virtue, and while the context discusses this in relation to humans, it can be extended to animals as well. Animals can display virtues such as loyalty, courage, and empathy, which can be appreciated and loved by humans. However, it’s important to note that this love should not justify any form of harm or mistreatment towards the animal.

Who is Stefan Molyneux?

Stefan Molyneux is the host of Freedomain Radio, the most popular philosophy site on the Internet. He was a “Top 10” Finalist in the 2007-2010 Podcast Awards.


What age should I settle for a woman?

According to the context, it suggests that a woman should meet the man she wants to marry and have children with at the age of 27 or 28. This is based on the assumption that she would want to maintain her optimal desirability for reproductive success when she’s 30, considering there’s usually two to three years of dating before marriage. However, this is a generalization and individual circumstances and preferences may vary.


What age should I settle for a man?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Should I play video games?

The context suggests that there are scientific benefits to playing video games, especially as you get older, as it can help keep your mind sharp. However, it also mentions the importance of considering the cost-benefit, particularly in terms of time spent. Ultimately, the decision to play video games should be based on your personal preferences and circumstances.


Should I spend money or save it?

The context suggests that both spending and saving money have their own benefits. Spending money can bring immediate pleasure and enjoyment, while saving money can provide a secure future and the ability to afford larger expenses, such as retirement or investments. The decision between spending or saving money depends on your personal financial situation, goals, and values.


Is Taylor Swift waiting too long to have kids?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Provide me a list of benefits for UPB

The context suggests that understanding and adopting Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB) comes with several benefits:

UPB is a valid concept that provides a universal standard for truth, accuracy, and consistency. This can help in making arguments and decisions that are aligned with these principles.

Understanding UPB comes with a set of responsibilities that can be both challenging and liberating. It can lead to personal growth and development.

If society as a whole could adopt UPB, it could lead to significant improvements in societal behavior and interactions.

UPB can help in testing moral propositions against both internal consistency and empirical observation, providing a robust framework for moral decision-making.

UPB can trump other virtues in certain situations, providing a guiding principle in complex ethical challenges.


Provide me a list of personal benefits for UPB

The context suggests that understanding and adopting Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB) can have several personal benefits:

UPB provides a universal standard for truth, accuracy, and consistency, which can help in personal decision-making and understanding of arguments.

Understanding UPB comes with a set of responsibilities that can be both challenging and liberating, leading to personal growth and development.

UPB can help in testing personal moral propositions against both internal consistency and empirical observation, providing a robust framework for personal moral decision-making.

UPB can trump other virtues in certain situations, providing a guiding principle in complex ethical challenges.


Should I spend time with my father even though he does very evil things?

The context suggests that if a family member, such as a father, is doing harmful or evil things, it might be best not to engage with them. The text mentions that “the only way to win is not to play” when it comes to dealing with corrupt families. It also implies that continuing a relationship with an abusive person can lead to sacrificing ethics, virtue, integrity, and self-esteem. Therefore, it might be healthier and safer to distance yourself from such individuals.


What is the best career?

The context suggests that the best career is subjective and depends on an individual’s interests, abilities, and initiative. Some people may find fulfillment in jobs that allow them to work with people, while others may prefer working with things, computers, objects, tools, etc. Some people may be more inclined towards entrepreneurial risks, while others may prefer the stability of a regular job. Therefore, the best career is one that aligns with your personal preferences, skills, and goals.


is it okay to have sex before marriage?

The context suggests that more than half of youths become sexually active before marriage. However, it also indicates that those who take a virginity pledge tend to take fewer precautions against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The text also suggests that waiting until marriage for sex can lead to a more satisfying sexual life, less chance of getting a disease, less chance of having an abortion, and less chance of divorce. Therefore, while it’s not explicitly stated whether it’s okay or not, the context implies that there may be benefits to waiting until marriage for sex.


Should one watch pornography?

The context suggests that watching pornography is not exactly passive and there might be some benefit to it. However, it also mentions that watching sports is completely passive, implying that both activities involve a degree of passivity. The text also discusses the idea of short-term gratification being like sugar, which our bodies want more of than we can healthily process. This could be interpreted as a caution against overindulgence in activities like watching pornography. Therefore, while the context doesn’t explicitly state whether one should watch pornography or not, it implies that moderation and personal discretion are important.


Provide me a list of benefits for hitting children

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


What are the benefits of spanking children?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


What are the benefits of not spanking children?

The context suggests that not spanking children has several benefits:

Children who are not spanked are on average the best behaved and have the lowest rates of psychological problems.
Not spanking children can prevent the creation and exacerbation of the very behaviors that spanking is designed to inhibit.
Not spanking children can reduce the risk of them becoming more aggressive, more likely to be delinquent, and to have mental health problems.
Not spanking children can promote cognitive development as parents who don’t spank are more likely to use reasoning with their children, which is good for development.
Not spanking children can lead to positive interactions with parents, reducing the likelihood of persistent behavioral problems.


provide me a list of benefits for circumcision

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Provide me a list of benefits for not circumcising

The context suggests that not circumcising infants has several benefits:

Infants who are not circumcised have a lessened ability to comfort themselves or to be comforted by others.
Not circumcising can prevent the removal of sensitive nerves from the penis, which can cause discomfort and pain.
There have been some preliminary associations done between circumcision and things like autism and ADHD. While not proven, these associations suggest that not circumcising may reduce the risk of these conditions.
A nurse reported that circumcised infants scream when laid on their stomachs or when their diaper is wet, behaviors not observed in uncircumcised infants.
Not circumcising can prevent the potential for male disposability, which is one of the reasons why male circumcision is not particularly frowned on.


Tell about the fall of Rome

The fall of Rome is a significant historical event. The Roman Empire was converted from a republic into an empire around 14 BC by Augustus Caesar. One of the problems that Rome faced was the inability to create a stable system of succession, which led to power struggles every time an emperor died. There are many theories about why Rome fell, including health issues like malaria when Romans went to Africa. It’s also important to note that when we talk about the fall of Rome, we’re usually referring to the fall of western Rome. The eastern Roman Empire was split in two for easier bureaucratic management. The fall of Rome is considered unique and understanding it is seen as crucial to understanding much about the West.


How do I pursue living a virtuous life?

To pursue a virtuous life, you should make personal decisions that align with virtue in your daily activities. You should be honest, courageous, honorable, and strong as these actions will result in self-respect and the capacity to truly love and be loved. You should actively reject bad influences and fight for what is right. If you have a skill, such as healing people as a doctor, you should apply it. Being virtuous without demanding love from others can attract other virtuous people towards you. Remember, your conscience is your own and cannot be outsourced to anyone else.


Thank you.

You’re welcome! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.


Should I buy a corvette to let marriageable women know I have disposable income?

The context does not suggest that buying expensive items like a Corvette is a good way to attract a potential spouse. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of genuine connection, shared values, and expressing your feelings. It also suggests that pursuing women based on their looks or availability can lead to harm and dissatisfaction. Therefore, it might be more beneficial to focus on building a strong relationship based on mutual respect and understanding rather than showcasing disposable income.


Please explain voluntarism to me.

Voluntarism is a philosophy that emphasizes the principle of individuals voluntarily engaging in actions and interactions. It opposes the initiation of force by individuals or the government, arguing that all actions should be voluntary rather than coerced. It is often associated with free-market economics and anarchism, where it is seen as a virtue. The philosophy also distinguishes between voluntary actions and coerced ones, stating that violence or the threat of violence changes the moral nature of an interaction.


How is self defense justified?

Self-defense is justified as a response to the initiation of force. It is seen as a necessary action when an individual is being attacked or threatened. The principle of self-defense raises no problems because it is a reaction to violence, which is considered evil and must be opposed. It is compared to surgery in relation to random stabbing, meaning that if health (or safety) is the goal, destruction (or self-defense) may be the means under certain circumstances. If a person has declared himself harmful by attacking those around him, he may be retaliated against in self-defense.


What is a self-detonating argument?

A self-detonating argument is a statement or argument that contradicts itself in its own premise or conclusion. It’s an argument that invalidates itself by the very logic or principles it uses. For example, stating “Language is meaningless” while using language to communicate that idea is a self-detonating argument. The statement relies on the fact that language has meaning to convey the idea that it doesn’t, thus contradicting itself.


What is a paradox?

A paradox is a statement or situation that may seem contradictory or absurd, but could potentially be true. It often involves statements that contradict each other, yet might be true in certain contexts. For example, a statement like “I am certain that nothing is certain” is paradoxical because it contradicts itself.


Please explain the self-detonating argument.

A self-detonating argument is a statement or claim that contradicts or undermines itself. It’s like saying something that invalidates your own point. For example, if someone says “Language is meaningless,” they are using language to communicate that point, which implies that language does have meaning. Therefore, the statement “Language is meaningless” is self-detonating because it contradicts itself.


Please explain Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Is Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem a self detonaiting argument?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


Is the liar paradox a self detonating argument?

Sorry, I can’t answer as I don’t have enough knowledge about that subject.


What is the relationship of UPB and self detonating argument?

Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB) is a moral theory that posits behaviors cannot be self-contradictory and must be universally applicable. A self-detonating argument, on the other hand, is a statement or claim that contradicts or undermines itself. In the context of UPB, a self-detonating argument would be one that contradicts the principles of UPB. For instance, if someone were to argue that it is universally preferable to use force to achieve ends, this would contradict itself under UPB because it would imply that no moral arguments should be advanced, which is itself a moral argument.

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The Truth About AI Part 1

Stefan Molyneux looks at the philosophical and moral sides of artificial intelligence, particularly where it crosses with copyright laws and its effects on society. He points out how AI draws from copyrighted materials without getting permission, which brings up issues around intellectual property. Molyneux draws a comparison between standard ways of learning and what AI can do as a customized tutor, noting its ability to deliver information suited to individual needs. He cautions that AI could lower the worth of conventional media and put authors' incomes at risk by turning their creations into commodities. Molyneux calls for an approach where AI firms get approval from the original creators, stressing the importance of acknowledging authors' work as AI becomes more common.

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THE GREATEST ESSAY IN THE HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY

Humanity evolves through accumulated wisdom from endless trial and error. This wisdom has been transmitted through fiction – stories, superstitions, commandments, and ancestor-worship – which has created the considerable problem that these fictions can be easily intercepted and replaced by other lies. 

Children absorb their moral and cultural wisdom from parents, priests and teachers. When governments take over education, foreign thoughts easily transmit themselves to the young, displacing parents and priests. In a fast-changing world, parents represent the past, and are easily displaced by propaganda. 

Government education thus facilitates cultural takeovers – a soft invasion that displaces existing thought-patterns and destroys all prior values. 

The strength of intergenerational cultural transmission of values only exists when authority is exercised by elders. When that authority transfers to the State, children adapt to the new leaders, scorning their parents in the process. 

This is an evolutionary adaptation that resulted from the constant brutal takeovers of human history and prehistory. If your tribe was conquered, you had to adapt to the values of your new masters or risk genetic death through murder or ostracism. 

When a new overlord – who represents the future – inflicts his values on the young, they scorn their parents and cleave to the new ruler in order to survive. 

Government instruction of the young is thus the portal through which alien ideas conquer the young as if a violent overthrow had occurred – which in fact it did, since government education is funded through force. 

This is the weakness of the cultural transmission of values – by using ‘authority’ instead of philosophy – reason and evidence – new authorities can easily displace the accumulated wisdom of thousands of years. 

It is a common observation that a culture’s success breeds its own destruction. Cultures that follow more objective reason tend to prosper – this prosperity breeds resentment and greed in the hearts of less-successful people and cultures, who then swarm into the wealthier lands and use the State to drain them dry of their resources. 

Everything that has been painfully learned and transmitted over a thousand generations can be scattered to the winds in a mere generation or two. 

This happens less in the realms of reason and mathematics, for obvious reasons. Two and two make four throughout all time, in all places, regardless of propaganda. The Pythagorean theorem is as true now as it was thousands of years ago – Aristotle’s three laws of logic remain absolute and incontrovertible to all but the most deranged. 

Science – absent the corrupting influence of government funding – remains true and absolute across time and space. Biological absolutes can only be opposed by those about to commit suicide. 

Authority based on lies hates the clarity and objectivity – and curiosity – of rational philosophy. Bowing to the authority of reason means abandoning the lies that prop up the powerful – but refusing to bow to reason means you end up bowing to foreigners who take over your society via the centralized indoctrination of the young. 

Why is this inevitable? 

Because it is an addiction. 

Political power is the most powerful – and dangerous – addiction. The drug addict only destroys his own life, and harms those close to him. The addiction to political power harms hundreds of millions of people – but the political junkies don’t care, they have dehumanized their fellow citizens – in order to rule over others, you must first view them as mere useful livestock instead of sovereign minds like your own. 

Just as drug addicts would rather destroy lives than stop using – political addicts would rather be slaves in their own sick system than free in a rational, moral world. 

If we cannot find a way to transmit morals without lies or assumptions, we will never break the self-destructive cycle of civilization – success breeds unequal wealth, which breeds resentment and greed, which breeds stealing from the successful through political power, which collapses the society. 

If we cannot anchor morals in reason and evidence, we can never build a successful civilization that does not engineer its own demise. Everything good that mankind builds will forever be dismantled using the same tools that were used to build it. 

Since the fall of religion in the West – inevitable given the wild successes of the free market and modern science and medicinewhich came out of skepticism, reason and the Enlightenment – we have applied critical reasoning to every sphere except morality. We have spun spaceships out of the solar system, plumbed the depths of the atom and cast our minds back to the very nanoseconds after our universe came into being – but we cannot yet clearly state why murder, rape, theft and assault are wrong. 

We can say that they are “wrong” because they feel bad, or are harmful to social cohesion, or because God commands it, or because they are against the law – but that does not help us understand what morality is, or how it is proven. 

Saying that rape is wrong because it feels bad to the victim does not answer why rape is wrong. Clearly it feels ‘good’ to the rapist – otherwise rape would not exist. 

Saying it harms social happiness or cohesion is a category error, since ‘society’ does not exist empirically. Individuals act in their own perceived self-interest. From an evolutionary perspective, ‘rape’ is common. The amoral genes of an ugly man that no woman wants are rewarded for rape, since it gives them at least some chance to survive. 

Saying that rape is wrong because God commands it does not answer the question – it is an appeal to an unreasoning authority that cannot be directly questioned. 

Saying that rape is wrong because it is illegal is begging the question. Many evil things throughout history have been legal, and many good things – such as free speech and absolute private property – are currently criminalized. 

Saying that rape is wrong because it makes the victim unhappy is not a moral argument – it is a strange argument from hedonism, in that the ‘morality’ of an action is measured only by pleasure and painWe often inflict significant misery on people in order to heal or educate them. We punish children – often harshly. The ‘hedonism’ argument is also used to justify sacrificing free speech on the altar of self-proclaimed ‘offense’ and ‘upset.’ 

So… 

Why is rape wrong? 

Why are murder, theft and assault immoral? 

A central tenet of modernity has been the confirmation of personal experience through universal laws that end up utterly blowing our minds. 

The theory of gravity affirms our immediate experience of weight and balance and throwing and catching – and also that we are standing on giant spinning ball rocketing around a star that is itself rocketing around a galaxy. We feel still; we are in fact in blinding motion. The sun and the moon appear to be the same size – they are in fact vastly different. It looks like the stars go round the Earth, but they don’t 

Science confirms our most immediate experiences, while blowing our minds about the universe as a whole. 

If you expand your local observations – “everything I drop falls” – to the universal – “everything in the universe falls” – you radically rewrite your entire world-view. 

If you take the speed of light as constant, your perception of time and space change forever – and you also unlock the power of the atom, for better and for worse. 

If you take the principles of selective breeding and animal husbandry and apply them to life for the last four billion years, you get the theory of evolution, and your world-view is forever changed – for the better, but the transition is dizzying. 

If we take our most common moral instincts – that rape, theft, assault and murder are wrong – and truly universalize them, our world-view also changes forever – better, more accuratemore moral – but also deeply disturbing, disorienting and dizzying. 

But we cannot universalize what we cannot prove – this would just be the attempt to turn personal preferences into universal rules: “I like blue, therefore blue is universally preferable.” 

No, we must first prove morality – only then can we universalize it. 

To prove morality, we must first accept that anything that is impossible cannot also be true. 

It cannot be true that a man can walk north and south at the same time. 

It cannot be true that a ball can fall up and down at the same time. 

It cannot be true that gases both expand and contract when heated. 

It cannot be true that water both boils and freezes at the same temperature. 

It cannot be true that 2 plus 2 equals both 4 and 5. 

If all men are mortal, and Socrates is a man, then it cannot be true that Socrates is immortal. 

If you say that impossible things can be true, then you are saying that you have a standard of truth that includes both truth and the opposite of truth, which is itself impossible. 

The impossible is the opposite of the possible – if you say that both the possible and the impossible can be true, then you are saying that your standard for truth has two opposite standards, which cannot be valid. This would be like saying that the proof of a scientific theory is conformity with reason and evidence, and also the opposite of conformity with reason and evidence, or that profit in a company equals both making money, and losing money. 

All morality is universally preferable behaviourin that it categorizes behaviour that should ideally be chosen or avoided by all people, at all timesWe do not say that rape is evil only on Wednesdays, or 1° north of the equator, or only by tall people. Rape is always and forever wrong – we understand this instinctively, though it is a challenge to prove it rationally. 

Remember, that which is impossible can never be true. 

If we put forward the proposition that “rape is universally preferable behaviour,” can that ever be true? 

If it is impossible, it can never be true. 

If we logically analyse the proposition that “rape is universally preferable behaviour,” we quickly find that it is impossible. 

The statement demands that everyone prefers rape – to rape and be raped at all times, and under all circumstances. 

Aside from the logistical challenges of both raping and being raped at the same time, the entire proposition immediately contradicts itself. Since it is self-contradictory, it is impossible, and if it is impossible, it can neither be true nor valid. 

If “rape is universally preferable behaviour,” then everyone must want to rape and be raped at all times. 

However, rape is by definition violently unwanted sexual behaviour. 

In other words, it is only “rape” because it is decidedly not preferred. 

Since the category “rape” only exists because one person wants it, while the other person – his or her victim – desperately does not want itrape cannot be universally preferable. 

No behaviour that only exists because one person wants it, and the other person does not, can ever be in the category of “universally preferable.” 

Therefore, it is impossible that rape is universally preferable behaviour. 

What about the opposite? Not raping? 

Can “not raping” logically ever be “universally preferable behaviour”? 

In other words, are there innate self-contradictions in the statement “not raping is universally preferable behaviour”? 

No. 

Everyone on the planet can simultaneously “not rape” without logical self-contradiction. Two neighbours can both be gardening at the same time – which is “not raping” – without self-contradiction. All of humanity can operate under the “don’t rape” rule without any logical contradictions whatsoever. 

Therefore, when we say that “rape is wrong,” we mean this in a dual sense – rape is morally wrong, and it is morally wrong because any attempt to make rape “moral” – i.e. universally preferable behaviour – creates immediate self-contradictions, and therefore is impossible, and therefore cannot be correct or valid. 

It is both morally and logically wrong. 

What about assault? 

Well, assault occurs when one person violently attacks another person who does not want the attack to occur. (This does not apply to sports such as boxing or wrestling where aggressive attacks are agreed to beforehand.) 

This follows the same asymmetry as rape. 

Assault can never be universally preferable behaviour, because if it were, everyone must want to assault and be assaulted at all times and under all circumstances. 

However, if you want to be assaulted, then it is not assault. 

Boom. 

What about theft? 

Well, theft is the unwanted transfer of property. 

To say that theft is universally preferable behaviour is to argue that everyone must want to steal and be stolen from at all times, and under all circumstances. 

However, if you want to be stolen from, it is not theft – the category completely disappears when it is universalized. 

If I want you to take my property, you are not stealing from me. 

If I put a couch by the side of the road with a sign saying “TAKE ME,” I cannot call you a thief for taking the couch. 

Theft cannot be universally preferable behaviour because again, it is asymmetrical, in that it is wanted by one party – the thief – but desperately not wanted by the other party – the person stolen from. 

If a category only exists because one person wants it, but the other person doesn’t, it cannot fall under the category of “universally preferable behaviour.” 

The same goes for murder. 

Murder is the unwanted killing of another. 

If someone wants to be killed, this would fall under the category of euthanasia, which is different from murder, which is decidedly unwanted. 

In this way, rape, theft, assault and murder can never be universally preferable behaviours. 

The nonaggression principle and a respect for property rights fully conform to rational morality, in that they can be universalized with perfect consistency. 

There is no contradiction in the proposal that everyone should respect persons and property at all times. To not initiate the use of force, and to not steal, are both perfectly logically consistent. 

Of course, morality exists because people want to do evil – we do not live in heaven, at least not yet. 

Universally preferable behaviour is a method of evaluating moral propositions which entirely accepts that some people want to do evil. 

The reason why it is so essential is because the greatest evils in the world are done not by violent or greedy individuals, but rather by false moral systems such as fascism, communism, socialism and so on. 

In the 20th century alone, governments murdered 250 million of their own citizens – outside of war, just slaughtering them in the streets, in gulags and concentration camps. 

Individual murderers can at worst kill only a few dozen people in their lifetime, and such serial killers are extraordinarily rare. 

Compare this to the toll of war. 

A thief may steal your car, but it takes a government to have you born into millions of dollars of intergenerational debt and unfunded liabilities. 

Now, remember when I told you that when we universalize your individual experience, we end up with great and dizzying truths? 

Get ready. 

What is theft? 

The unwanted transfer of property, usually through the threat of force. 

What is the national debt? 

The unwanted transfer of property, through the threat of force. 

Individuals in governments have run up incomprehensible debts to be paid by the next generations – the ultimate example of “taxation without representation.” 

The concept of “government” is a moral theory, just like “slavery” and “theocracy” and “honour killings.” 

The theory is that some individuals must initiate the use of force, while other individuals are banned from initiating the use of force. 

Those within the “government” are defined by their moral and legal rights to initiate the use of force, while those outside the “government” are defined by moral and legal bans on initiating the use of force. 

This is an entirely contradictory moral theory. 

If initiating the use of force is wrong, then it is wrong for everyone, since morality is universally preferable behaviour. 

If all men are mortal, we cannot say that Socrates is both a man and immortal. 

If initiating force is universally wrong, we cannot say that it is wrong for some people, but right for others. 

“Government” is a moral theory that is entirely self-contradictory – and that which is self-contradictory is impossible – as we accepted earlier – and thus cannot be valid. 

If a biologist creates a category called “mammal” which is defined by being warm-blooded,” is it valid to include cold-blooded creatures in that category? 

Of course not. 

If a physicist proposes a rule that all matter has the property of gravity, can he also say that obsidian has the property of antigravity? 

Of course not. 

If all matter has gravity, and obsidian is composed of matter, then obsidian must have gravity. 

If we say that morality applies to all humanscan we create a separate category of humans for which the opposite of morality applies? 

Of course not. 

I mean, we can do whatever we want, but it’s neither true nor moral. 

If we look at something like counterfeiting, we understand that counterfeiting is the creation of pretend currency based on no underlying value or limitation. 

Counterfeiting is illegal for private citizens, but legal – and indeed encouraged – for those protected by the government. 

Thus, by the moral theory of “government,” that which is evil for one person, is virtuous for another. 

No. 

False. 

That which is self-contradictory cannot stand. 

People who live by ignoring obvious self-contradictions are generally called insane. 

They cannot succeed for long in this life. 

Societies that live by ignoring obvious self-contradictions are also insane, although we generally call them degenerate, decadent, declining and corrupt. 

Such societies cannot succeed for long in this world. 

The only real power – the essence of political power – is to create opposite moral categories for power-mongers. 

What is evil for you is good for them. 

It is disorienting to take our personal morals and truly universalize them. 

So what? 

Do you think we have reached the perfect end of our moral journey as a species? 

Is there nothing left to improve upon when it comes to virtue? 

Every evil person creates opposite standards for themselves – the thief says that he can steal, but others should not, because he doesn’t like to be stolen from! 

Politicians say that they must use violence, but citizens must not. 

Nothing that is self-contradictory can last for long. 

You think we have finished our moral journey? 

Of course not. 

Shake off your stupor, wake up to the corruption all around and within you. 

Like “government,” slavery was a universal morally-justified ethic for almost all of human history. 

Until it wasn’t. 

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