Hacker News Reader

Situational morality is really not morality at all.

And that is what I am trying to move to, because no two situations are exactly alike. Choose the correct weapon for the job.

So, do you own a PC?

If so, how can you possibly justify that?

After all, IBM helped the Nazis, so everything they touched is morally tainted.

(And no, I'm not Godwinning, just pointing out how absurd the line of thinking is when taken to extremes)

Yeah that's fair, but none of the original founding members are still active within IBM, so the intent has essentially been burnt out. They are remnants long forgotten.

Condoleezza Rice however, is still alive and well, and is actively on the Dropbox board. The decision is easy to make, so I made it.

I would honestly prefer people to have a set standard, e.g., Should I drop a nuclear bomb? No. Never. Under any circumstances. Whether I agree with that standard is another matter altogether, but having a solid measuring line is significantly more reassuring than a flip-floppy wet noodle.

I agree that no two situations are alike, but principles by definition should still guide the decision making process.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com