> I would argue that a threat that causes a person to take an action
>should be illegal: "I'm gonna to whup yer butt" would cause me to get some
That sounds too vague to be used as a rule. Doesn't the action depend on
the interpretation? What if you take action but there was no intent to
threaten?
> Note that the basis for libel is a physical one based on ones
>position. Thus, we have the Clinton fiasco, while the rest of us are
>relatively free to commit adultery ... within the constraints of the sexual
>harassment laws. Can you give an example of when causing psychological pain
>that is CURRENTLY illegal?
I'm not entirely familiar with the laws in your country, but isn't
stalking illegal?
> How can I care enough to be hurt about someone who allows themselves
>to be convinced to be hurt? That seems to be "victim's" thinking ... ala
>the various "anonymous" groups. Do you blame the people selling drugs for
>the people who take them? Do you blame the liquor manufacturers for the
>alcoholics? Of course currently America is blaming the tobacco companies
>for nicotine addiction ... but I think thats a scary trend.
I'm not suggesting that we blame anyone. My question was when is it
ethical to intervene on behalf of the alleged victim we care about.
And yes, I think it is possible to care about someone even if they
allow themselves (perhaps unknowingly) to be victimized.
> Of course everything is not black and white ... but it seemed to me
>that you are advocating legislating things that are not black and white ...
>and that is a slippery slope.
I don't know where you got the idea that I was advocating any sort
of legislation.
> What does this have to do with memetic engineering? The world is a
>scary enough place with me worrying about getting sued for selling a faulty
>appliance at a garage sale ... can you imagine what it would be like if we
>had to start worrying about causing psychological pain by offering a
>reasonable argument for getting your navel pierced? <or even suicide>
This has to do with the ethics of belief, and when it is right to
attempt to alter someone else's belief system if you perceive it to
be harmful.
Of course it is easiest to take a live-and-let-live attitude. If someone
is stupid or deluded enough to let themselves be victimized then they
deserve whatever they get, right?
-- David McFadzean david@lucifer.com Memetic Engineer http://www.lucifer.com/~david/ Church of Virus http://www.lucifer.com/virus/