Quote Originally Posted by Pensive Patrick View Post
You talk about respect for the victims. But the murderer himself is a victim of nature. Surely he deserves the same respect. We can't help our morales or mental state (I'm a determinist). Not all mass murderers are evil people. Some are just tormented by life and want to end it all. As for wanting to make other people miserable, I don't think that's the case all the time. Some just aren't able to see the value of life, or could have a variety of other mental 'problems' that again they can't help having. Everyone in these situations are victims. No one is to blame except existence.
And that justifies killing innocent people ? Why is murder a crime then?


How can you say we are better than animals? Evolutionarily more advanced? Do you realise how easily the entire human race could be wiped out by a disease? How do you know that animals can't make 'rational' decisions? The 'rationality' of decisions is entirely subjective. Morals and the 'value of life' are subjective. You are viewing the human race as a whole, as you yourself infer by saying 'the greater good'. You're saying that everyone who doesn't think like you should be punished. Human beings are individuals. The greater good does not exist. Everything is subjective.
We're better in the sense that we are the most advanced species on the planet (that we know of, but that's 99,9% certain). Which is why I can talk to you from this computer over the internet and a chicken could not.