Unknown Unknowns

Share this post

Fiction and Morals

chr.iswong.com

Discover more from Unknown Unknowns

Exploring what you don't see
Over 1,000 subscribers
Continue reading
Sign in

Fiction and Morals

Chris Wong
Jan 2, 2023
Share this post

Fiction and Morals

chr.iswong.com
Share
LOL

When I was a kid, I read a ton of science fiction and fantasy. The characters usually weren't morally complex. There was a good side and a bad side, and the decisions usually weren't morally ambiguous.  I think I got my morals from reading these tales.  

Where do others get their morals from? From parents or other role models?  I wonder if fictional characters are better role models.  The problem is that the morals are presented in unrealistic scenarios.  The good side is that there is certainty in your decision-making.

I wonder if having fictional characters is a method to deal with mimetic desire.  You can't get rid of mimetic desire, so what if the focus is a fictional character? Would you only mime good traits?

Perhaps this is the function of religion?

Share this post

Fiction and Morals

chr.iswong.com
Share
Previous
Next
Comments
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Chris W
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing