Does might make right?

Answer 1

For as much as we think we have evolved and are rational, ethical, etc., the unfortunate fact of the world is that it is still guided by a "might makes right" philosophy...which may be fine in nature and for animals (who are amoral), but should be beneath us as moral agents supposedly guided by reason.

Think about any given country: it exists only to the extent that it can defend itself (or have others rush to its defense). If, say, China were to invade and take over Taiwan, there's really nothing anyone can do about it, short of starting World War III. (Just as Americans successfully defended their land, taking away the English colonies from the British in the 1700s.)

Force seems to be a desperate, last-ditch measure when reason/civil debate fails us. So insofar as what is right should be supported by real principles, the answer to your question is no.

Answer 2

No.

The will of the majority, or the will of whoever has the most muscle, isn't always right.

Being stronger than someone or having more adherents to your viewpoint has no bearing on whether or not you're right.

Leaving the meaning of 'right' open to interpretation, of course.

Look at sexism, slavery, the idea of an earth-centric universe, the idea that the world is flat. All were opinions held by the majority, who had considerable might, but they were wrong.

Although a position being held by those with power doesn't make the position wrong. The majority isn't always wrong, but it isn't always right, either.

Hope this is what you were asking.

And for the other interpretation, being able to shove your through life doesn't make you right. It makes you a stupid bully.

Answer 3

The standard saying is.... might is right, where right is not meant to be the opposite of wrong, it is used in the sense that is opposite of duty. And of course, might commands rights, the right to get away with a lot of things and also to impose own will on others.

However, the universe runs on the principle of balance... therefore the rights that accrue to might always entail responsibility..... and any irresponsible cashing in of the rights invariably depletes the might.

Hope I have rightly understood your question and my answer does satisfy you.

Answer 4

Might does not give a right to use it wrongly. Might has to be used in a right way for a right purpose. That is the right.

Answer 5

I assume you will agree that the perspective of the victor or dominant force will differ from the conquered or oppressed, but ultimately, without a shared value system defining right and wrong we cannot hope to answer such a question to the satisfaction of all, but the fact remains that the use of force and violence, or the treat of violence and force ultimately determines or define our freedom, for all disputes, if not resolved amicably, is settled by it. Violation begets violence.

Answer 6

don't know what you mean, Might as in powerful?

If this is the case then I think no, powerful people don't think of others, they tend to be bullies, think the way I think or else.

Right is when things are done correctly and with passion and concerns for others.

Answer 7

Depends on how you look at it.

If you take a view like Nietzsche, then the people who are vastly superior to us have the ability to define society, because as a superior race, they shouldn't have to respond too an inferior society.

Answer 8

personally, i think it is the other way around. but no, might does NOT make right. aside,=== it is if I have the might. lol

Answer 9

Yes. sure. Might always make "right".
In this society, "The best always win."
and "The weaker goes to the pot".

It's really a pity isn't it?

Answer 10

No, but if you fight all night with a bright white light then your sight plight shite will take flight right. It just might.