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cutting, is it moral?
- Thread starter kashmir
- Start date
It can of course be dangerous. And it is also a strong indicator of borderline disorder, which is even more dangerous.
Which is not to say that it doesn't work, mind you.
Which is not to say that it doesn't work, mind you.
Gjallarhorn
N'yog-Sothep
Morality doesn't factor into my ideas about cutting. I think it's indicative of severe depression or other mental illnesses.
Whether they want help or not decides whether help should be given or not.
Whether they want help or not decides whether help should be given or not.
I don't see a morality component to it either. Certain types of pain can release endorphins from the brain... the 'runner's high'. I always got a buzz from getting tattooed or after a hard workout. But self-hurt is not a normal way of medicating. Imo it's a psychological issue.
I don't really see how cutting has anything to do with morality (or immorality, for that matter). I think it's more a psychological, and by extension biological, issue.
Is it in keeping with the virtues that person wishes to uphold and the character that person wishes to cultivate?
Yes = carry on.
No = cessation recommended.
Yes = carry on.
No = cessation recommended.
Sees
Dragonslayer
I have been cut many dozens of times but not intentionally. I think it is generally a stupid thing to do but not immoral. Likewise dealing with spheres of influence as with suicide. I live by heroic ideals and high sense of responsibility towards setting an example which makes things dealing with the self a bigger deal.
Stephen Dedalus
Trickster
There are two types of cutting.
1)A symptom of a severe psychological disorder.
2)A childish behavior to attract attention, typical of (italian) 13 years old, that "cut" themselves (and post pics about it on Tumblr) because they "suffer". I hope they be caught by the real suffering.
1)A symptom of a severe psychological disorder.
2)A childish behavior to attract attention, typical of (italian) 13 years old, that "cut" themselves (and post pics about it on Tumblr) because they "suffer". I hope they be caught by the real suffering.
kashmir
Well-Known Member
That's exactly true.
Real cutters hide so that nobody knows
Also:
3) A method of inducing altered states of consciousness or trance states
4) A method of honoring a particular deity/cause/ideal
I realize these practices are uncommon in contemporary Western culture, but there are other reasons to inflict self-harm other than being psychologically disturbed or crying out for attention.
And I have to add:
5) A coping mechanism for stress that is not indicative of severe psychological disorder
Many animals, humans and otherwise, engage in repetitive behaviors, including self-injury, as a method of stress relief. It may or may not indicate psychosis.
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Stephen Dedalus
Trickster
Yes, but I think that anyone cuts for reasons beyond ideals, deity or simple stupidity is a bit disturbed. Not necessarily mad, perhaps very stressed.
kashmir
Well-Known Member
people cut because of the control factor.
Agreed. I know that in zoos and the like, zookeepers will monitor animals for engaging in self harm as a way of assessing stress. The human animal does the same thing. It's a warning sign.
No cutting yourself is not moral.
Moral behavior is that which improves the human situation. Cutting doesn't do that.
Feeling better afterwards is not relevant. One might feel better after beating up a little kid, shooting up some heroin, or slaughtering some Muslims. Feeling better immediately after has nothing to do with morality.
Behavior that degrades the human situation is immoral and cutting is degrading. Therefore.....
Tom
kashmir
Well-Known Member
there is a huge difference in hurting oneself and hurting others
I would invite you to very carefully consider the full ramifications of such a principle. It may have some implications that would be unfavorable to you.
In what way are they hugely different? Do you mean to imply that they are more different than they are similar?
I never said differently. I don't claim I know what is degrading under any and all circumstances. But cutting doesn't improve anything for anyone unless a surgeon is involved.
Tom