An alternative to the “Golden� or “Platinum� rules

[Zzyzx]

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Shortcomings of the so-called Golden and Platinum rules have been discussed in a current C&A thread.

Here is a different 'rule' I use for myself (not pushed onto others):

'Treat everyone with a measure of respect and trust just for being a fellow human being. Allow them to earn more or less by their actions (and to an extent, their words).' Many earn less (sometimes very rapidly).

If I interact with a person significantly, I will likely learn something of what they desire for themselves. However, that does not obligate me to provide what they want or need -- though I might provide some things in some cases, without feeling obligated to do so.

Those who do not like my style of interaction (or who cannot earn my respect and trust) are encouraged to go elsewhere to have their needs met and to find people who will accommodate them.


Seem reasonable?

[Volbrigade]

Of course there's always going to be conflicting agendas. People are different. Some people are social and gregarious, and naturally want to treat others in a social and gregarious manner. Others are more solitary, even reclusive.

And this is where the golden rule fails. It does not take into account of that people are different. It assumes other wants to be treated the way you want to be treated. A pretty good assumption most of the time, because like you asked, who doesn't want to be treated kindly, fairly or with compassion? But this is not an absolute.

It's not?

There are people who WANT to be treated unkindly, unfairly, and without compassion?

Would that not be an indication of a deep psychological pathology?

Are laws concerning social governance abrogated by the perverse desires of a pathological minority?

Hmm. That could lead to a whole 'nother discussion...

I think the Golden Rule presumes a basis in reason, rationality, and sanity. All of which are the soil from which love springs. Remember, the one who voiced it is the embodiment of love. Because "God is love".

It also bears stating that the Golden Rule does not exist in a vacuum. It is a generalized version of a more specific injunction -- one that applies to all people, in all cultures, at all times.

But it is a rather diluted form of the much more concentrated "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength... and your neighbor as yourself."

[Bust Nak]

It's not?

There are people who WANT to be treated unkindly, unfairly, and without compassion?

Would that not be an indication of a deep psychological pathology?

Possibly, or possibly they thinks it builds character. More to the point, it's that people have a different idea what being kind, fair and compassion means.

I think the Golden Rule presumes a basis in reason, rationality, and sanity...

Why not upgrade it to the platinum rule and remove such presumptions?

[Volbrigade]

It's not?

There are people who WANT to be treated unkindly, unfairly, and without compassion?

Would that not be an indication of a deep psychological pathology?

Possibly, or possibly they thinks it builds character. More to the point, it's that people have a different idea what being kind, fair and compassion means.

Well, that's true, I guess. In a narrow sense. "I was trying to be kind to by telling you..." x, y, z. "Well, I didn't consider it very kind at all..."

But broadly speaking:

Just as there are no societies in which cowardice, lying, treason, murder, slander (etc.) are valued -- other than perhaps criminal ones; and even then...

I think it's pretty universal that, e.g., lying and mistreating and persecuting and oppressing others cannot, by definition, be considered "kind, fair, and/or compassionate".

Nor can being honest, considerate, supportive, and tolerant fail to be considered at least attempts at being kind, fair, and compassionate.

I think the Golden Rule presumes a basis in reason, rationality, and sanity...

Why not upgrade it to the platinum rule and remove such presumptions?

[/quote]

I assume you're jesting here. I had to look up "the Platinum Rule". I prefer not to get my social morality from "How I Met Your Mother".

Seriously, though -- in case that's what you're being --

how can I know how you, or anyone else, wants to be treated? And how can I but fail to treat you that way? There is no conceivable way to treat all people by that criteria. "That's not how I wanted to be treated!" How could I know?

Not only that, but the attempt to treat one person "how they want to be treated" is bound to conflict with another's preferred treatment.

Human nature...

No. The "Golden Rule" is precisely that. Gold. The ultimate in human social morality.

Again, with the caveat that it cannot be practiced -- at least, not fully -- outside the auspices of Luke 10:27.