On a scale of one to 10, what is your value and why?
What about you makes you more or less valuable than another human being?
Serious replies only, please. For the sake of this debate, let's limit the interpretation for Human Beings, to those who are already born and exist in a society.
(I don't want to turn this into an abortion debate, please stay on topic. If YOU must make a statement of your beliefs, do that, but for the sake of the debate, go onto actually answer the question within the guidelines.)
2006-12-21 05:42:25 · 15 answers · asked by vicarious_notion 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sadly, at this point, I'd call myself a 3. I'm not contributing a whole lot right now, and I don't really know if I want to.
I'm actually getting an MPA to work in non-profits, but am getting more and more cynical with each credit hour.
I don't really think you can put a value on human life, but you can value them at what they earn to determine, for example, the loss of income due to their passing. This is not the actual value of their life, though.
2006-12-21 05:49:16 · answer #1 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a value can be placed, and we all do it every day. Example: everyone knows that lower speed limits in traffic will save lives and limbs, but we want the speed instead; we want to get to work, or home, etc. Another example is that we obviously live longer, healthier lives with the right diet and exercise, but we want the freedom to choose our lifestyle, rather than be required by law.
I think the examples show that we value QUALITY of life at the highest level of 10, and we can set a value on life itself at just below, at 9 or 9.9, as you wish.
What value is my own life? Do you want the religious or the philosophical answer? Never mind, it's a big question. I don't have a brief answer. I work hard, help people when I can, and put up with the outrageous people as best I can. I obey the Golden Rule. 9.9? And I would value most people the same.
Christ implied we were all 10's. But He did not drive or vote, so we can't catch Him in an inconsistency. Jokes aside, He obviously thought His goal was more important than the continuation of His mortal life.
2006-12-21 17:51:43 · answer #2 · answered by KALEL 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, life can have a value. Or at least the World Trade Organization thinks so.
They are starting slavery again. Formally.
Look here.
http://www.gatt.org/wharton.html
It's hard to believe, but it's official. I promise.
Here in America, our free market dictates value as well. While we still retain free will in most cases, the principle of eminent domain in the constitution should shed some light on the governments view of the will of the majority (ie Rousseau's social contract) and importance of a single human life.
As to whether a value should be put on a life, I don't think so. But it definitely can.
2006-12-21 05:55:42 · answer #3 · answered by Brandon Jackson 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You cannot value human life enough but the opposite does occur. The reduction of of the value of human life opens the door to genocide (Darfur), war (pick your spot anywhere on the glode), health care, etc, etc.......
In the grand scene of things, no one person is more valuable than the other...life is life. But in the fabric of society, one's contribution increase's their overall worth. Hence, a life saving Doctor is more valuable then let's say a life taking murderer. I know that is an extreme example, but I think the point is made.
BTW, great question!!!
2006-12-21 05:48:34 · answer #4 · answered by J.C. 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The value of everyone's life starts out as priceless. You can not place a value on a person's life, especially if it is the life of one close to you. No amount of money can fill the void their absence creates. For the sake of the question, I think evil deeds and bad personality traits can 'decrease' the value of a life.
2006-12-21 05:51:17 · answer #5 · answered by dude_in_disguise2004 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who's paying. If you speak to a scientist, all the elements in a human body have a certain dollars and cents value. If you ask God, He sent His Son to die for you. If you ask a spouse, you should be worth a whole life of giving and receiving and interacting and loving. The buyer pays the going price with any of these situations.
2006-12-21 05:53:54 · answer #6 · answered by JOYCE M 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I can't put a value on a human life, but that's just me. It's not for me to decide who is "valued" and who is not.
Unfortunately, insurance companies and governments place values (often small values) on human life all the time. I am sure they have statistical gurus who run cost-benefit analysis all the time...sad but true...
2006-12-21 06:19:19 · answer #7 · answered by The ~Muffin~ Man 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not to the feds.Lincoln caused 620.000 people to die because he ordered the attack on the South. Bush has caused near that number in Iraq. there can be by some but should not be a value put on any life.no matter the situation.But if I had to pick a # for myself then I would pick the lowest # because of the way I am at present.disabled.& depressed.with no one left thats alive.Peace. and very Merry Christmas to you
2006-12-21 05:50:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO.
10, because i try to do the best i can, and do no harm, and help if i can. But i am not perfect, that make me human.
Those people who we think have no value to us, to others, they are the most valuable person. Depends on who makes the judgment. We are not perfect, we are humans.
2006-12-21 05:55:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can do it. You can do it. Anybody can do it.
Value is created in the free market. The buyer is the ultimate authority on value. What is valuable to me, may be worthless to someone else.
Never take away someones hopes or dreams, it may be all they have.
“The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.”
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” ~ Albert Einstein
2006-12-21 05:53:54 · answer #10 · answered by ••Mott•• 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋