Ayn Rand

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Oberon

Well written, but what IS right and wrong? Considering that the answer to this varies from not only person to person but nation to nation, the definitive answer is something that I don't think can actually be given because it changes from era to era.

The novel last but not least also is a political and a philosophical work. Right and wrong in context of the characters in this book have a lot to do with freedom, dignity, and security, as these things can be concluded on by libertarian views on guaranteeing private property and its safety to the owner. Also, in context of the book, creating value versus parasitic behavior of claiming rights for the working results of others.

Beyond the book, I think that there are many things that we can declare consensus on regarding whether they are right or wrong. Some of that is covered in basic rules of some philosophies and religions. Do not steal. Do not murder. Do not rape. Do not do against others what you would not accept to be done to you. Do not be intentionally cruel for the sake of enjoying it. And so on, basic stuff like that. While some values are indeed depending on cultural context, I also think that some things are so obvious and basic in their value for us as we define ourselves as humans, that I refuse to negotiate any possible relativizing of them (speaking generally, not meaning you specifically).

The full quote beyonds "distinguish between right and wrong" leads to all this, doesn't it, implicitly refusing a too far-reaching relativizing of good and evil.