Can a morally decent person rejoice at someones death ?

**MAJOR METAL** · #1 07-31-2011, 11:09 PM

Do you think it is possible to rejoice at the death of another human being and still be considered a morally decent person ? I understand in most instances it is considered poor taste to rejoice at the death of another person but I believe it is possible that this can be done by a morally decent person. I would recognize a moral difference between rejoicing that the deceased individual will no longer participate in the material world from celebrating the means and possible pain they underwent in dying.

Selta · #2 07-31-2011, 11:44 PM

I'm not sure about "rejoicing", but I know feeling relief for a person who has been suffering has been felt here.

**jmattbassplaya** · #3 07-31-2011, 11:45 PM

Did you see what happened when Osama Bin Laden was killed? I'd say yes.

Stilettoprefer · #4 07-31-2011, 11:50 PM

If they rise again on the third day

bass12 · #5 07-31-2011, 11:58 PM

I'd think you to be morally corrupt if you weren't to rejoice in the deaths of certain people.

WickedPissah · #6 08-01-2011, 12:16 AM

"I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." - Mark Twain

Downunderwonder · #7 08-01-2011, 12:56 AM

I guess it depends on your definition of "rejoice". To me that word implies celebration in the streets sort of stuff. I don't think it's possible to publically celebrate even a mortal enemy's demise separately from the manner of his demise.

So the "Muslim" oiks in the streets after 9/11 are no more immoral than the "Christian" oiks in the streets after Osama got offed imo. Nothing to celebrate.

Not to say that Osama not being around isn't a good thing. I'd probably have shot him in cold blood myself if presented with the opportunity. Go figure.

**jmattbassplaya** · #8 08-01-2011, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

I guess it depends on your definition of "rejoice". To me that word implies celebration in the streets sort of stuff. I don't think it's possible to publically celebrate even a mortal enemy's demise separately from the manner of his demise.

So the "Muslim" oiks in the streets after 9/11 are no more immoral than the "Christian" oiks in the streets after Osama got offed imo. Nothing to celebrate.

Not to say that Osama not being around isn't a good thing. I'd probably have shot him in cold blood myself if presented with the opportunity. Go figure.

Well there is a difference between killing innocent civilians and an extremist.

Big_Daddy · #9 08-01-2011, 01:05 AM

When someone is no longer able to cause others pain, that's a cause for rejoice.

Happynoj · #10 08-01-2011, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAJOR METAL

Do you think it is possible to rejoice at the death of another human being and still be considered a morally decent person?

No. I don't think that a morally decent person would think it acceptable for someone to be killed, let alone rejoice in their death.

Kwesi · #11 08-01-2011, 01:50 AM

Sure, why not? I'm sure we could all think of a few people the world would be better off without. Of course, ideas about moral decency vary from person to person.

Kwesi · #12 08-01-2011, 01:52 AM

A question for you, Major: Do you believe that a morally decent person can wish suffering upon another?

I do.

Downunderwonder · #13 08-01-2011, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Well there is a difference between killing innocent civilians and an extremist.

. Imo there is no morality in the rejoicing, innocent or otherwise. You imply I said there was no difference. Don't put words in my mouth, ta.

**MAJOR METAL** · #14 08-01-2011, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

A question for you, Major: Do you believe that a morally decent person can wish suffering upon another?

I do.

That is an interesting question. The application for example of incarceration in the pursuit of justice has a degree of intended suffering in the deprivation of freedom and self determination of the convicted. This is often undertaken by people who are not arbitrarily seeking the suffering of others but rather the defense of others rights and the preservation of law.

**MAJOR METAL** · #15 08-01-2011, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Daddy

When someone is no longer able to cause others pain, that's a cause for rejoice.

That is my line of thinking.

anonymous122511 · #16 08-01-2011, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

A question for you, Major: Do you believe that a morally decent person can wish suffering upon another?

I do.

How is it possible to be cruel but still be morally decent? Please explain.

Quickie · #17 08-01-2011, 02:35 AM

I wouldn't mind if there were less child molesters around. Monsters.

Kwesi · #18 08-01-2011, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff arddun

How is it possible to be cruel but still be morally decent? Please explain.

Does an instance of cruelty outweigh a lifetime of virtue?

anonymous122511 · #19 08-01-2011, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

Does an instance of cruelty outweigh a lifetime of virtue?

That's not answering my question.

To answer yours though it's not an issue of one outweighing the other. Live in the moment.

Kwesi · #20 08-01-2011, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff arddun

That's not answering my question.

To answer yours though it's not an issue of one outweighing the other. Live in the moment.

Ok, cool. To answer your question, I believe that committing a cruel act does not make a person cruel. What defines a person is how they act and think on a daily basis.