[MD] BeTteR-neSs (undefined or otherwise)

[Ham Priday]

 Hello everyone --

On Sat, Oct 30, 2010 at 9:34 AM, X Acto <xacto at rocketmail.com> wrote:

>> What is betterness? what does it mean to you?
>>
>> RMP states there are four kinds of betterness.
>
>> Which of those four do you value the most?

Dan Glover replied:
> I am not sure that I follow you... what four kinds of "betterness"
> does RMP state, and where does he state this?
>
> For something to be better, there must be something else to
> compare it to. ...
>
> "Better" can apply to anything, so how can there be only four kinds?
> Aren't we developing a rigidity by saying so?

Yes, exactly.  "Betterness" is relative to the observer.  So are Goodness, 
Morality, and Aesthetic Value. These are man's free choices based upon his 
individual value prerogatives.  The fact that man is the choice-maker of his 
universe is what moral freedom is all about.  It is the exercise of 
rational, self-directed value.

To set up Goodness and morality as a universal standard is to deprive man of 
his innate freedom.  Of course society must establish laws and mores that 
discourage evil or hurtful behavior and reward peaceful cooperation, but 
that is how mankind becomes civilized and flourishes collectively.  Such 
conventions are not, should not be, based on natural law but reflect the 
values of free agents -- the consensus of "individual minds" seeking the 
common good, and excellence where possible, for their culture.

I see the capacity of man to be his own authority as his role in existence. 
If understood and appreciated by enough people, this moral concept 
potentially can lead to an authentic society, in my humble opinion.

Thanks, Dan
Ham