excreationist

If you think you would help then you do feel some obligation to do it. Otherwise why choose to help? Just out of boredom?

MassAtheist

Overall: 88%
Geographical: 100%
Family: 100%
Acts & Omissions: 51%
Scale: 100%

Interesting, if the test is valid...

"This suggests that you have utilised a noticeably smaller range of moral principles than average in order to make judgements about the scenarios presented in this test..."

This is true. I find it easier to consider moral issues with a smaller number of generalized principles.

Jesus Tap-Dancin' Christ

No, I don't actually give money to the needy equally in terms of geographical distance, nor because of relations.

However, it doesn't mean that I SHOULD be acting the way I do. I do believe that I should act in a conssent manner, however. That I don't is simply a proof of my relative immorality.

DRFseven

Me, too, on Acts and Omissions! But the overall was lower - 66%, about average.

Valmorian

You can help someone because you enjoy the feeling it gives you. This is essentially a selfish reason, but it's different than a moral obligation.

DRFseven

But all motivation is provided by the emotional connection to any stimulus. Everything that is done is done for the feeling.

excreationist

I thought it was about what you felt compelled to actually DO rather than what you thought seemed "right".

That's the same thing in my book. We feel we "ought" to do things because of emotions. Maybe this is often because of guilt, but it can also be out of love.

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: excreationist ]</p>

Monkeybot

I agree with W@L -- the phrase "morally obligated" stuck in my craw. I don't feel morally obligated to give money to a homeless person, but it's a nice thing to do.

I scored 62% morally parsimonious.

Geographical Distance: 100%
Family: 35%
Acts and Omissions: 35%
Scale: 76%

Jesus Tap-Dancin' Christ

Yeah, I am morally compelled to act in a certain manner. I don't necessarily act in that manner. I guess that was what I was trying to say in my post.

"Do as I say, not as I do."

freemonkey

I got a 67% overall score. I, too, had a problem with the word "obligated". I've been asked for money by enough panhandlers to have overcome my feelings of "obligation" to "help".

I scored badly on the SCALE portion of the test, because I couldn't get around the question of taking X innocent lives to save Y innocent lives. I'd prefer to just acknowledge that I have not got that kind of power and will never have to make that kind of decision.