Let me get my ethics book *flips through pages looking for the section on Hedonism*.

From “The Moral Life” an ethics reader compiled by Louis Pojman, Professor of Philosophy, United States Military Academy at West Point. Page 609:

“The Greek philosopher Epicurus (341-271 B.C.) founded the school oh philosophy named after himself, epicureanism, a hedonistic theory wherein good is identified with pleasure and evil with pain. In this he is the precursor of Bentham’s utilitarianism (chapter 4). But contrary to popular opinion, Epicurus’s version of hedonism is nothing like the modern ideas connected with his name - sensuality, profligacy, and decadence. On the contrary, he believed that the good life consisted in simple but deep pleasures and the absence of pain, in an attitude of imperturbable emotional tranquillity. We should seek pleasure in conversation, friendship, a good but simple diet, and a prudent life. Since only good and bad sensations should concern us, and death is not a sensation, we should not fear death. We should not even think very much about it.”

My how hedonism has “grown up” over the years, *tisks* such a shame.

Captcha: freed wily - *que Mega Man theme*

*sniff*

I’ll never look at the “Ender’s Game” series the same way again.

I’ve loved reading about the “protection of life” laws that have banned “abortions” with some of the most ridiculously ignorant language possible about the subject. The banning of “partial birth abortion” which isn’t a known medical procedure. The wording in legislation that bans abortions, period, instead of medical abortions, or deliberately induce abortions, making it illegal to have an abortion regardless of medical necessity.

The wifey had some reproductive biology classes when she was in college that made it pretty clear that it doesn’t take much to cause a pregnancy to spontaneously abort. Making a woman who stands too close to a microwave, or drinks water with just a little too much contamination, a potential felon.

It seems that if the anti abortion crowd wanted to help reduce/stop deliberate abortions they would get more traction by offering/supporting real alternatives for a pregnant woman who is seriously considering an abortion. Spend some less time protesting women’s clinics and more time trying to revamp the child care system of the country, make natal medical care a national priority if not a responsibility, daycare centers readily available, entitlements to working women who can’t get to daycare centers and need to hire a sitter, things along those lines.

I wonder how many more supporters they would get if the loudest would stop treating the women like damaged goods unworthy of being treated like human beings.

Why not offer a helping hand instead of righteous condemnation?

Captcha “to Sidney” I wish.

Re: CDC studies
The study itself does not prove anything. Drawing conclusion of hedonism from that alone would be faulty. However, by observing those most likely to be infected, unwanted pregnancy rates and what is deemed acceptable by the popular culture of a particular demographic conclusions can be drawn. Not everyone who has HIV is hedonistic, but many are and engaging in not just risky behavior but also irresponsible behavior. While you may not be willing to say so I will. Many of the people who have HIV have it due to incredible stupid decisions they have made. If they knew the possible consequences of their actions before engaging in them then I must accept that they only have coming to them what they deserve, the same as a person who willing plays Russian Roulette knowing the possible outcome deserves the bullet in the brain when it eventually comes.