What Are Principles?
Principles are moral axioms—fundamental beliefs or values that provide a foundation for ethical reasoning. These foundational ideas guide us in making sense of complex moral questions, helping us to derive consistent positions in various situations. They serve as touchstones, ensuring our choices align with our deeper values and understanding of right and wrong. Some common examples include:
The Ten Commandments
"You ought not harm others"
"You ought not lie"
"You ought not kill"
"Create the greatest good for the greatest number of people”
Why Do We Need Principles?
Without principles, we risk navigating complex moral situations without a reliable compass, which can lead to inconsistency, hypocrisy, or aimlessness. By grounding ourselves in clear principles, we are more likely to make decisions that reflect a coherent worldview and act with integrity. Principles are also crucial for convincing others of our opinions, as one method of persuasion is to invoke shared beliefs. These shared beliefs, when traced back far enough, often lead to a discussion of the core principles held by each participant (more on this in [[Background of Arguments]]).
Inconsistencies often arise when people claim adherence to certain principles but fail to follow them in practice, as seen in the following examples:
Conservatives who claim to base their worldview on Biblical principles, yet support a leader who has been thrice divorced, convicted of sexual assault, and attempted to undermine democratic processes.
Socialists who advocate for human rights, yet support authoritarian regimes such as China, Russia, or even fundamentalist groups like Hamas or Iran.
Individuals who claim to distrust all media but willingly accept narratives from sources like RT or Tucker Carlson.
These examples show how a lack of genuine commitment to principles—or selective adherence to them—can undermine credibility and moral clarity.
The Dangers of Principles
However, principles carry risks if followed too rigidly. When adhered to dogmatically, principles can distort our perception, leading us to misinterpret complex situations and make poor decisions. Blindly sticking to an idea can lock us into black-and-white thinking, where nuanced understanding gives way to overly simplistic views, fuelled by pre-existing biases. Here are some examples:
Some Marxists, in their commitment to always support the oppressed against oppressors, may side with Russia (viewed as a NATO “victim”) even while it actively invades and seeks to subjugate another country. Similarly, they may support groups like Hamas (viewed as a 'victim' of Israel), despite its funding from Iran and its stated goal of destroying Israel.
Conservatives committed to the principle of small government may overlook or excuse authoritarian tendencies in figures like Donald Trump, rationalizing support for actions that actually increase government power or bypass checks and balances.
These examples illustrate how rigid adherence to principles can lead to self-contradiction and harm, underscoring the importance of balancing principles with situational awareness. While principles are essential guides, they must be applied with flexibility and an understanding of context to truly serve us in complex moral landscapes.
Now what are mine?
1. Human rights:
"Humans should not be actively hindered in their pursuit of happiness, provided that their happiness does not come at the unjust suffering of others or restrict the well-being of innocents."
2. Commitment to Truth in Progress:
"In areas essential to human progress, individuals should strive to understand and depict reality as accurately as possible, while remaining open to new perspectives where interpretations vary."
3. Equality of All Humans:
"All humans hold equal moral value and rights, deserving fair treatment and respect, while recognizing that opportunities and outcomes may differ based on individual choices, efforts, and circumstances."