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Fear-Based Ethics

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Tue 11 Jun 2024
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 2 years ago.
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Fear-Based Ethics within Consequentialism is a dark, oppressive ethical system. Morality based on things like Karma and Divine Command Theory, are faulty. They evoke fear and anxiety because right and wrong are no longer a thing, only fear exists. The fix is easy, even within fear-based ethical systems, the solution is to emphasize the intrinsic value of moral acts. This allows you to transition at a fundamental level from fear-based ethics to understanding the intrinsic value of morality.

Fear-Based Ethics

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30 Phil, Chapter 27: Categorized within Consequentialism, fear-based ethics focuses on “good results” and are measured with a big stick–acts are not primarily measured by merit. Karma and Divine Command Theory are two examples of this faulty ethical system. With Karma, you fear a negative rebirth, and with Divine Command Theory, you fear God’s wrath. With both you lose sight of right and wrong. The solution to the faulty ethical system is simple, teach the intrinsic value of moral acts, not fear.

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Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
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