Friday, June 26, 2009

The "Crimes and Misdemeanors" challenge

Doesn't it follow from Epicurus that if you are not virtuous and it doesn't bother you, then that's fine too?

Certainly the gods won't intercede to punish you.

You may lack true friends, because you are not just and trustworthy, but what do you care for true friends?

You will suffer guilt and apprehension at your wrong-doing only if you are capable of feeling those emotions. If not, you'll suffer no consequences short of formal, external punishment (and being caught and punished is far from certain).

Epicurus' system does not really account for sociopaths - except to say that it is always good to find ways to protect yourself from other men (acknowledging that there are bad people out there).

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