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VoiceOfRa comments on [Link] A rational response to the Paris attacks and ISIS - Less Wrong Discussion

-1 Post author: Gleb_Tsipursky 23 November 2015 01:47AM

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Comment author: VoiceOfRa 28 November 2015 05:52:56AM -1 points [-]

In which case they're going to keep making attacks so the solution is to destroy their ability to do so.

Comment author: entirelyuseless 28 November 2015 02:29:25PM 0 points [-]

The problem with that solution is that it is either impossible, or implies genocide.

As Socrates says in Plato's Gorgias, "Suppose that I go into a crowded Agora, and take a dagger under my arm. Polus, I say to you, I have just acquired rare power, and become a tyrant; for if I think that any of these men whom you see ought to be put to death, the man whom I have a mind to kill is as good as dead; and if I am disposed to break his head or tear his garment, he will have his head broken or his garment torn in an instant. Such is my great power in this city. And if you do not believe me, and I show you the dagger, you would probably reply: Socrates, in that sort of way any one may have great power-he may burn any house which he pleases, and the docks and triremes of the Athenians, and all their other vessels, whether public or private-but can you believe that this mere doing as you think best is great power?"

Great power or not, it is in fact true that anyone can do those things if he wishes, so as long as people are alive, one cannot take away their ability to do those things. So as I said, your solution is either impossible or implies genocide.

Comment author: VoiceOfRa 28 November 2015 09:01:22PM -2 points [-]

Kill a single person, yes. Carry out an attack like the one in Paris, no.