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[QUOTE=Jay]This is one question that is best answered by the old saying.. 'The end justifies the means'.

Jay,

Ever since I took ethics in college I have been waiting to use the term teleological philosophy in a conversation. Now I can, since "the ends justifies the means" is exactly that concept.

On the other hand, the deontological philosophy is that regardless of whether the final "end" is good, you cannot do something "bad" to obtain it.

Gee, that only took YEARS to come in handy. And over a subject of "trunk chop" to boot!!!

Deontological terminology also relates to the naturalistic aspect of the world. I guess that, in bonsai, we tend to follow this ethical belief. We look to do good in our actions, but sometimes fail to acheive a positive result (like a dead bonsai). Of course the argument is, would chopping off the top of a growing thing be "bad", but a teleological pursuit of a good end? Funny how a subject about trunk-chopping growing stock, to make bonsai, illicited that thought from me.

Maybe there is hope. Then again, my brain is starting to hurt.

Take care ya'll,

John

18-Nov-2004	#5
John Dixon Air Assault All The Way. Join Date: Mar-2004 Location: Huntersville, NC (near Charlotte) Country: USA USDA Zone: 7-8 AHS Heat Zone: 7 Posts: 1,702	[QUOTE=Jay]This is one question that is best answered by the old saying.. 'The end justifies the means'. Jay, Ever since I took ethics in college I have been waiting to use the term teleological philosophy in a conversation. Now I can, since "the ends justifies the means" is exactly that concept. On the other hand, the deontological philosophy is that regardless of whether the final "end" is good, you cannot do something "bad" to obtain it. Gee, that only took YEARS to come in handy. And over a subject of "trunk chop" to boot!!! Deontological terminology also relates to the naturalistic aspect of the world. I guess that, in bonsai, we tend to follow this ethical belief. We look to do good in our actions, but sometimes fail to acheive a positive result (like a dead bonsai). Of course the argument is, would chopping off the top of a growing thing be "bad", but a teleological pursuit of a good end? Funny how a subject about trunk-chopping growing stock, to make bonsai, illicited that thought from me. Maybe there is hope. Then again, my brain is starting to hurt. Take care ya'll, John __________________ John Dixon Si vis pacem parabellum Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.