There really was a time when I considered self deception a worthwhile excuse for subsequent bad behavior rather than just what it often takes for us to get away with what we are motivated to do anyway.
So...in your opinion, the Kerchers are so motivated to cause harm to an innocent young woman that they have deceived themselves into believing she is guilty of the murder of their daughter, so that they can get away with it? Why? What exactly is the point of that? I suppose if you really think their daughter’s death has made them want to kill random innocent people, the whole “evil” angle is more understandable, but that hypothesis really does not make sense to me.
So...in your opinion, the Kerchers are so motivated to cause harm to an innocent young woman that they have deceived themselves into believing she is guilty of the murder of their daughter, so that they can get away with it?
No. Not even remotely.
Now is perhaps not the best time to attempt a detailed high quality discussion of all the various motivating factors behind seeking skapegoats.
I don’t know about how the word “evil” should be wired up in our minds, but I do think that callously disapproving of the negligence is an appropriate reaction to have, and if I view use of the word “evil” as a part of that, I’m okay with it.
So...in your opinion, the Kerchers are so motivated to cause harm to an innocent young woman that they have deceived themselves into believing she is guilty of the murder of their daughter, so that they can get away with it? Why? What exactly is the point of that? I suppose if you really think their daughter’s death has made them want to kill random innocent people, the whole “evil” angle is more understandable, but that hypothesis really does not make sense to me.
No. Not even remotely.
Now is perhaps not the best time to attempt a detailed high quality discussion of all the various motivating factors behind seeking skapegoats.
Ok, well, bad guess on my part, then.
Indeed I don’t see much motivation to seek out a scapegoat in a case where the real killer has been found and convicted.
I’m just saying...maybe they’re just wrong? Sometimes that happens?
My interpretation of Wedrifid’s point here is something along the lines of:
If you are going to advocate the kind of punishment sought against Amanda Knox, you have an obligation to hold yourself to high epistemic standards.
The evidence used to convict her fell so far short of that as to constitute dangerous negligence.
I endorse this (and suspect wedrifid does too, but I need only speak for myself).
Yes, it seems about right.
I agree with that too, but I still disagree on the “evil” thing.
I don’t know about how the word “evil” should be wired up in our minds, but I do think that callously disapproving of the negligence is an appropriate reaction to have, and if I view use of the word “evil” as a part of that, I’m okay with it.
This would make Wedrifid’s position understandable to me, which is otherwise mysterious. OK… updated.