[Thematic-Device]

IceOwl IceOwl:

And, of course, we have people who think intelligence is not a virtue,

Intelligence and the ability to use it and to use it correctly results in a virture. Intelligence alone results in nothing, intelligence used incorrectly results in evil. Sorry that some of us have taken the time to actually think out our philosophical positions, as opposed to you, and your "moral relativism" which is used as a cover to enforce your own morals.

The inate problem with virtue ethics is that even seemingly virtous things, can be used for evil. But of course, aren't virtue ethics wholly incompatible with your notion of moral relativism? Indeed ethics in general should be. But I suppose it'll shoot to hell your complaints with the Danish if you admit that Moral Relativism is a flawed philosophy, or at least that it isn't one that you follow.

[sukhoi]

I wouldnt be happy that such a tyrannical goverment is moving on up. America is what is keeping them from invading taiwan. Which is why we have 7 carriers over there. They have a population of 1.2 billioin. They wont reach our standard of living for a very long time.

[Thematic-Device]

sukhoi sukhoi:

I wouldnt be happy that such a tyrannical goverment is moving on up. America is what is keeping them from invading taiwan. Which is why we have 7 carriers over there.

We only have one carrier permanently deployed to the region. The 7 figure was a wargame if I recall correctly, which was later cut to 4.

[sukhoi]

Really? I thought I heard we moved 7 carriers over there. My mistake.

[Thematic-Device]

sukhoi sukhoi:

Really? I thought I heard we moved 7 carriers over there. My mistake.

There was supposed to be histories largest wargame of 7 carriers in the south china sea.

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display ... y_id=13951

$1:

Carriers Surge During Summer Pulse '04
Story Number: NNS040630-07
Release Date: 6/30/2004 1:00:00 PM
Top News Story - Editors should consider using these stories first in local publications.

From USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

ABOARD USS JOHN C. STENNIS (NNS) -- Summer Pulse '04, which began in early June, is the Navy's first full scale exercise of its new operational construct, the Fleet Response Plan (FRP). The exercise will include scheduled deployments, surge operations, joint and international exercises such as RIMPAC [Rim of the Pacific] 2004, other advanced training and many port visits.

FRP is about new ways of operating, training, manning and maintaining the fleet resulting in increased force readiness and the ability to provide significant combat power in a crisis situation as well as reinforce our relationships and interoperability in five theaters of operations.

"The FRP allows us to provide combatant commanders with ready forces able to respond quickly when needed," said Commander, Carrier Group 7 Rear Adm. Patrick Walsh.

The FRP is designed to allow the Navy to provide up to seven carrier strike groups (CSG) to support any contingency worldwide in 30 days. Per the plan, two more CSGs can be ready within three months to reinforce or rotate out the forces that initially deployed. This allows for a continuous presence and the ability to swiftly respond to different crisis situations.

Simultaneously deploying this number of CSGs this summer demonstrates the Navy's capability to execute the FRP, should a surge of this magnitude be required by real world circumstances. Conducting exercises like Northern Edge and RIMPAC also allow armed forces from the United States, and throughout the Pacific, to improve interoperability, cooperation and the ability to respond to crises.

"Exercises like RIMPAC enhance regional security while building partnerships with our global neighbors," Walsh said. He added that Summer Pulse and the multinational exercise RIMPAC demonstrate the participant's shared resolve for peace and security.

In addition to the John C. Stennis CSG, the other CSGs participating in Summer Pulse 04 are the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) CSG forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan; the Norfolk-based USS George Washington (CVN 73) CSG; the Mayport, Fla.-based USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) CSG, which is currently deployed overseas; the Norfolk, Va.-based Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) CSG, which will conduct a scheduled training exercise followed by overseas pulse operations with the Norfolk-based USS Enterprise (CVN 65) CSG; and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) CSG, which is conducting operations as the ship makes an interfleet transfer from Norfolk, Va., to its Pacific Fleet homeport of San Diego.

For more information about Summer Pulse '04, visit the CFFC Web site at www.cffc.navy.mil/summerpulse04.htm.

here are where the Aircraft Carriers are (kinda)

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/where.htm

[sukhoi]

$1:

There was supposed to be histories largest wargame of 7 carriers in the south china sea, so we were (supposed to) move seven over there, except it was temporary and not fully carried out, since they later cut it to 4 (I suppose 7 looked to warlike). Although I think it still managed to qualify as one of the larger war games regardless.

I guess so. Though 4 carriers is probally enough to get the job done.

[sukhoi]

And that dosent mean there are not standards and that consequences will follow when one does not follow the standards.

[Thematic-Device]

IceOwl IceOwl:

Thematic-Device Thematic-Device:

IceOwl IceOwl:

And, of course, we have people who think intelligence is not a virtue,

Intelligence and the ability to use it and to use it correctly results in a virture.

Uh huh..

And what did you think I was talking about? Mickey's Christmas Carol?

You just stated that intellect alone is a virtue, remember your introduction to philosophy course, a virtue is a thing which is good in an of itself.

$1:

$1:

Sorry that some of us have taken the time to actually think out our philosophical positions, as opposed to you, and your "moral relativism" which is used as a cover to enforce your own morals.

Morals are relative. End of story. If you don't like it, I guess you'll just have to bury your head further into the sand.

You just stated that intellect is a virtue, that is a statement of an absolute moral, that intelligence is good. So which one is it, are morals relative or not?

$1:

$1:

The inate problem with virtue ethics is that even seemingly virtous things, can be used for evil.

A hammer can also be used for good or evil. A hammer, by itself, is, of course, neither good nor evil.

And yet your schizophrenic self just argued that intellect was a virtue.

$1:

$1:

But of course, aren't virtue ethics wholly incompatible with your notion of moral relativism?

Not at all.

Stating X is good, but then stating that one can never argue good and bad? thats not incompatible? If everything is relative, then virtues are relative thus virtue ethics is not possible.

[sukhoi]

I was going to post something else, but Thematic device took care of it

[sukhoi]

Thematic, I would like to know your position. How does one objectively study good and bad? Is it even possible? I honestly think there is no absolute regarding ethics. I think we create the standards. We agree upon what is good and bad and then hold it up as truth that way we can have a productive and functioning society. Without such standards there can be no society.

[PluggyRug]

$1:

A hammer can also be used for good or evil. A hammer, by itself, is, of course, neither good nor evil.

A hammer is good, just ask the nails.

[Thematic-Device]

sukhoi sukhoi:

Thematic, I would like to know your position. How does one objectively study good and bad? Is it even possible? I honestly think there is no absolute regarding ethics. I think we create the standards. We agree upon what is good and bad and then hold it up as truth that way we can have a productive and functioning society. Without such standards there can be no society.

I believe that utilitarianism is generally one of the best standpoints for deciding whether an action is good or bad, while Kants idea of acting out of duty rather then out of fear or obligation determines the nobility of an action.

While virtue ethics create a good manner to simplify some utilitarian judgements.

And that while it may appear that there are strong differences of opinion which make it hard to determine the ultimate results. But that there ultimately is a right and wrong answer.

While I believe standards are important to a functioning society, for example, murder, theft, etc. are generally necessary for a functioning society, when societes laws are evil there is a moral obligation to resist (which causes moral conundrums but no inherent flaws in the overall philosophy, i.e. the question is hard but not self-contradictory)

[Q-Q]

BartSimpson BartSimpson:

Against. Unless Quebec separates.




Seriously, though, I'm against it. Canada would be swallowed up by America and the abuses of Canada by the US Federal government during the period of annexation to statehood would be legion.

Canadian culture would effectively cease to exist as Americans immigrated to Canada and brought their crass, hyperactive culture with them from LA, New York, and etc.

As an American I believe I am qualified to say that Canada needs to be and remain Canadian.

You nailed everything beautifully in your first two paragraphs, so nix the "wink." Unfortunately, you lost your way in your closing remark, unless, of course, you'd like to submit your qualifications to our preeminently qualified panel of Canuck arbiters.