That priest who was being interviewed went on to say that as human beings with the experience of suffering we can feel empathy with the present or potential suffering of other people, and from that perspective prevent whatever would cause them (or ourselves!) more suffering, and that was the basis of a personal morality, as he would see it. People like to look to authorities to tell them what their morality should be, but this is the better, more human way. I like the hint of a Buddhist influence in this way of thinking, too. That sort of Christianity, I can live with having around.
...I like that a lot. And it's basically perfect for one of my classes this year (Ethics of War), so do you think you could provide enough details for me to turn it into a reference, please? It'd be awesome to be able to quote it in my exam.
Sorry, I googled for the distinctive term that priest used ('Leidensprävention'), but couldn't find anything. The priest was quoting somebody else, but I can't for the life of me recall the name; I had never heard it
It was this program, and the priest's name was Paul Michael Zulehner, and he's some Catholic theology professor in Vienna (and had an Orthodox icon on the wall behind him while he was being interviewed, on which two blokes were sort of snogging, but I am sure it meant something metaphorical and spiritual and not sexual at all). But he was quoting somebody else, as I said. Sorry I can't help more.
That'll do me! Even money says that it won't be something my lecturer's heard of, so a reference that sounds good is perfect even if it's not 100% accurate. Thank you!
(Unrelatedly, my ex-boyfriend is currently reminding me why he's my ex and why I'm so happy to be single. I only wish that he didn't have to be so fucking irritating in order to do so. Goddddd why did I date him...)
Sadly, not even that. If he were at least attractive maybe I wouldn't still be so ANGRY at myself for it. Unfortunately, though, the answer is simply that he asked. -_- STUPIDEST FIVE MONTHS OF MY LIFE.
People do really strange things for strange reasons. Morality, as the prevention of suffering, has rarely enough influence on us. We don't even prevent our own suffering -- which we ought to, right along with that of others, according to that priest bloke.
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I like to phrase it as "We're not here to make things harder for other people." Though of course, far too often, we do.
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It was this program, and the priest's name was Paul Michael Zulehner, and he's some Catholic theology professor in Vienna (and had an Orthodox icon on the wall behind him while he was being interviewed, on which two blokes were sort of snogging, but I am sure it meant something metaphorical and spiritual and not sexual at all). But he was quoting somebody else, as I said. Sorry I can't help more.
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That'll do me! Even money says that it won't be something my lecturer's heard of, so a reference that sounds good is perfect even if it's not 100% accurate. Thank you!
(Unrelatedly, my ex-boyfriend is currently reminding me why he's my ex and why I'm so happy to be single. I only wish that he didn't have to be so fucking irritating in order to do so. Goddddd why did I date him...)
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In conclusion: GOOD GOING, BETHAN.
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