We begin with the assumption that all things are neither degenerate or virtuous until proven one way or the other.
Now, to decide if the use of porn is degenerate or virtuous, we must define these words.
From dictionary.com, and removing the phrases that don't apply, I propose the following objective: having fallen below a desirable level of moral qualities.
Virtuous is defined as "conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright."
I'll be using virtues/moral qualities interchangeably.
So, what are these virtues that the use of porn may not conform to?
From here: https://www.virtuescience.com/virtuelist.html the use of porn may interfere with:
- Chastity - Purity in conduct and intention.
- Discipline - The trait of being well behaved and under control.
- Restraint - Holding Back.
- Purity - Freedom from defilement. Undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material. Unsullied by sin or
moral wrong.
- Some others may apply. Subjective to the individual.
My Conclusion: The use of porn is degenerate ONLY IF you want to possess these virtues. The "only if" contingency comes from the word "desirable" in our definition. Essentially, if I value chastity, discipline, restraint, and purity, but I use porn, then my using porn is degenerate.
We begin with the assumption that all things are neither degenerate or virtuous until proven one way or the other.
Now, to decide if *the use of* porn is degenerate or virtuous, we must define these words.
From dictionary.com, and removing the phrases that don't apply, I propose the following objective: **having fallen below a desirable level of moral qualities.**
Virtuous is defined as "conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright."
I'll be using virtues/moral qualities interchangeably.
So, what are these virtues that the use of porn may not conform to?
From here: https://www.virtuescience.com/virtuelist.html the use of porn may interfere with:
1. Chastity - Purity in conduct and intention.
2. Discipline - The trait of being well behaved and under control.
3. Restraint - Holding Back.
4. Purity - Freedom from defilement. Undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material. Unsullied by sin or
moral wrong.
5. Some others may apply. Subjective to the individual.
*My* **Conclusion: The use of porn is degenerate ONLY IF you want to possess these virtues.** The "only if" contingency comes from the word "desirable" in our definition. Essentially, if I value chastity, discipline, restraint, and purity, but I use porn, then my using porn is degenerate.
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