the 11 Commandments of Rationality

People who break/disobey many of these 11 commandments, like George Floyd did, tend to have a shorter life expectancy rate. Honoring him is like honoring the bad for being the bad.

1) be a producer and not a parasite (moocher or looter)

2) don't be addicted to street drugs

3) don't overdose on drugs

4) don't be an alcoholic or smoke 

5) don't be a criminal

6) don't physically fight the cops

7) be rational: follow reality and reason and not emotionalism, subjectivism, whim worship or fantasies, and adhere to rational principles as the guide to decisions and actions

8) be healthy, wealthy, wise, honest, independent, prudent, with high self-esteem, and don't compromise your integrity

9) pursue knowledge of reality and objective truth

10) pursue rational self-interest, follow individualism, limited government, and capitalism

11) initiation of force and violation of natural rights is prohibited, while the perfect right of self defense is allowed

Here is a more elegant and refined version of these 11 commandments:

1. Contribute Productively: Be a creator and active contributor rather than relying on others and being a parasite.
2. Avoid Substance Abuse: Refrain from addiction to illicit drugs.
3. Practice Moderation: Use substances responsibly to prevent overdose.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption and smoking: Avoid alcoholism to maintain clear judgment and good health, and avoid smoking to maintain good health.
5. Abide by the Law: Refrain from engaging in criminal activities.
6. Cooperate with Law Enforcement: Avoid physical confrontations with police.
7. Embrace Rationality: Let reality and reason guide your decisions and actions, steering clear of emotionalism, subjectivism, and fantasies. Adhere to rational principles.
8. Cultivate Virtue and Good Character: Strive to be healthy, wealthy, wise, honest, independent, prudent, and uphold high self-esteem and integrity.
9. Seek Knowledge: Pursue a deep knowledge and understanding of reality and objective truth.
10. Promote Rational Self-Interest: Embrace individualism, support limited government, and advocate for capitalism.
11. Prohibit Initiation of Force: Do not initiate force or violate natural rights, while upholding the right to self-defense.

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The eight-fold way of rationality:

rationality can indeed be summarized in the form of an eight-fold way but with more than eight principles to ensure comprehensiveness. These principles contribute to living rationally in an irrational world.

 The importance of critical thinking and logical reasoning in assessing information and making informed judgments. It underscores the need to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and avoid cognitive biases that may cloud our judgment [1].

 The significance of probabilistic reasoning and decision-making. It highlights the role of weighing probabilities and considering potential outcomes in order to make rational choices. By conducting rational benefits to costs analysis, benefits to harms analysis, and benefits to risks analysis, individuals can assess the expected value of different options and make informed decisions [2].

The significance of emotional intelligence in rationality. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and regulating emotions, as well as recognizing how emotions can influence our judgment and decision-making processes. By cultivating emotional awareness and managing emotions effectively, individuals can enhance their rationality in various aspects of life [3].

 The importance of evidence-based thinking and the scientific method in rationality. It encourages individuals to rely on empirical evidence, seek reliable sources of information, and engage in systematic inquiry to arrive at well-founded conclusions. By adopting a scientific mindset, individuals can approach problems and decision-making processes more rationally [4].

 The significance of introspection and self-reflection in rationality. It emphasizes the importance of examining our own biases, beliefs, and values, as well as being open to revising them in light of new evidence and reasoning. By engaging in self-awareness and self-correction, individuals can enhance their rationality and avoid being trapped in irrational patterns of thinking [5].

 The importance of adaptability and flexibility in rationality. It underscores the need to update our beliefs and strategies based on new information and changing circumstances. By being open to revising our approaches and beliefs, individuals can adapt more effectively to an ever-changing world and make rational choices accordingly [6].

In summary, while the 8-fold way of Buddhism provides a framework for ethical and spiritual development, rationality can be summarized in a similar form with more than eight principles. By incorporating principles such as critical thinking, probabilistic reasoning, emotional intelligence, evidence-based thinking, introspection, and adaptability, individuals can strive to live rationally in an irrational world [1][2][3][4][5][6].

Sources:

1 Objectivism: the Philosophy of Ayn Rand by Leonard Peikoff

2 Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

3 Restoring The American Dream by Robert J. Ringer

4 How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World by Harry Browne

5 Knowledge and Decisions by Thomas Sowell

6 The Tortoise's Little Green Book of winning Theories by Robert J. Ringer

Sharia law is incompatible with Natural Law based on reality and reason

  Here, we will explore how Sharia Law may be seen as contradicting or being incompatible with the concept of Natural Law based on reality and reason, particularly from the perspective of Western philosophical traditions that are rooted in ideas from thinkers like Thomas Aquinas and John Locke.

Characteristics of Sharia Law

Sharia Law is derived from the Quran, the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and other Islamic texts. It encompasses a broad range of guidelines covering moral, social, economic, and legal aspects of life.

Characteristics of Natural Law

Natural Law is a philosophical theory asserting that certain rights or values are inherent by virtue of human nature and can be universally understood through human reason. In the Western tradition, it is often seen as a moral framework provided by God that underpins human-made laws.

Key Points of Contradiction and Incompatibility

1. Source and Flexibility of Law:

   • Sharia Law: Based on divine revelation in Islamic texts, it is considered immutable and not subject to change.
   • Natural Law: Based on human nature and reason, it is flexible and adaptable to changing human circumstances.

2. Human Rights and Equality:

   • Sharia Law: Includes specific roles and rights for men and women, often resulting in gender inequality. For instance, inheritance laws favor male heirs, and women's testimony may be valued less than men's in legal proceedings.
   • Natural Law: Emphasizes equality and inherent dignity of all individuals. It posits that all people, regardless of gender, have equal rights and are entitled to the same moral and legal considerations.

3. Freedom of Religion and Conscience:

   • Sharia Law: May include restrictions on religious freedom, such as punishments for apostasy (leaving Islam) or blasphemy.
   • Natural Law: Upholds freedom of conscience and religion as fundamental rights, allowing individuals to choose and practice their faith without coercion.

4. Legal Autonomy and Secularism:

   • Sharia Law: Integrates religious principles into legal and governmental systems, often leading to a theocratic governance model.
   • Natural Law: Supports the separation of church and state, advocating for laws based on reason and common good that can be agreed upon by all members of society, regardless of their religious beliefs.

5. Criminal Justice and Punishments:

   • Sharia Law: Prescribes fixed punishments for certain crimes (hudud), such as amputation for theft or stoning for adultery.
   • Natural Law: Focuses on justice and proportionality in punishments, emphasizing rehabilitation and the inherent dignity of individuals.

6. Freedom of Expression:

   • Sharia Law: Can impose limitations on speech, particularly against criticisms of Islam or the Prophet Muhammad.
   • Natural Law: Supports broad freedoms of expression and speech as essential for human development and societal progress.

7. Moral Autonomy:

   • Sharia Law: Often mandates specific moral behaviors and lifestyle choices, such as dress codes and dietary restrictions, enforced by religious authorities.
   • Natural Law: Advocates for moral autonomy where individuals can make personal ethical decisions based on reason and conscience.

Conclusion

The primary areas of contradiction and incompatibility between Sharia Law and God-given Natural Law, particularly as understood in the Western tradition, revolve around issues of flexibility, equality, individual freedoms, secular governance, and human rights. While Sharia Law is rooted in specific religious doctrines and texts, Natural Law emphasizes universal principles derived from human nature and reason, advocating for individual rights and freedoms as inherent and inviolable.

These distinctions highlight fundamental differences in how each system views the source of moral and legal authority, the role of reason versus revelation, and the extent to which personal and societal freedoms should be protected or regulated.

here is more:

Sharia Law, which is the Islamic religious law derived from the religious precepts of Islam, is incompatible with and contradicts Natural Law based on Christianity in several key ways:

1. Sharia Law is based on the divine revelation of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, whereas Natural Law as understood in Christianity is based on reason and the inherent moral order of the universe created by God. [1][3]

2. Sharia Law prescribes specific rules and practices for all aspects of life, from personal hygiene to criminal punishment, that are not derived from universal principles of reason and morality. In contrast, Natural Law in Christianity emphasizes universal moral principles that can be discerned through human reason. [2][4]

3. Sharia Law often incorporates harsh punishments like stoning, amputation, and the death penalty for certain crimes, which are incompatible with the Christian emphasis on mercy, forgiveness, and the dignity of human life. Natural Law in Christianity rejects such cruel and disproportionate punishments. [3][5]

4. Sharia Law enshrines gender inequality, with differential treatment and rights for men and women, which contradicts the Christian principle of the equal dignity and worth of all persons created in the image of God. [4][6]

5. Sharia Law's position on non-Muslims, apostasy, and the use of violence to enforce religious doctrine are also at odds with the Christian understanding of Natural Law and the proper role of the state. [2][5]

In summary, the fundamental theological and philosophical differences between Sharia Law and Natural Law based on Christianity make them largely incompatible and contradictory in their underlying worldviews and ethical frameworks. [1][6]

Sources:

1 The Universe Next Door, 5th Edition, by James W. Sire

2 Understanding The Times, Revised 2nd Edition by David Noebel

3 The Legacy of John Lennon by David Noebel

4 The Universe Next Door, 4th Edition, by James W. Sire

5 Seven Theories Human Nature by Leslie Stevenson

6 The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) by Robert Spencer

And finally:

Sharia Law and Natural Law are fundamentally incompatible due to their conflicting principles and values. Sharia Law is based on religious doctrines and traditions, primarily derived from Islamic teachings, while Natural Law is grounded in reason, reality, and objective principles.

One key area of incompatibility lies in the concept of individual rights. Natural Law recognizes the inherent rights of individuals to life, liberty, and property, which are derived from the nature of human beings [1]. These rights are considered universal and inalienable. In contrast, Sharia Law places greater emphasis on communal or religious rights, often subordinating individual rights to the dictates of religious authority [3]. This undermines the primacy of individual rights and limits personal freedom.

Another area of contradiction is the treatment of women. Natural Law upholds the equality and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and free choice [2]. However, Sharia Law imposes gender-based restrictions and discriminatory practices that limit women's rights in various aspects of life, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and personal freedoms [4]. This contradicts the principles of equality and individual autonomy that are central to Natural Law.

Furthermore, Sharia Law's approach to punishment and justice differs significantly from the principles of Natural Law. Natural Law advocates for proportionate and impartial justice, where punishment is based on the severity of the crime and the principle of individual responsibility [5]. In contrast, Sharia Law includes harsh punishments, such as amputation, flogging, and stoning, which are often applied without due process or consideration of individual circumstances [6]. This contradicts the principles of fairness, proportionality, and individual rights upheld by Natural Law.

Lastly, Sharia Law's approach to governance and the role of the state is at odds with the principles of limited government and individual freedom advocated by Natural Law. Sharia Law often promotes a theocratic system where religious authorities hold significant power, limiting individual freedoms, and imposing strict moral codes [3]. In contrast, Natural Law recognizes the importance of limited government, with its primary role being the protection of individual rights and the promotion of a free society [1].

In summary, Sharia Law and Natural Law are incompatible due to their divergent principles concerning individual rights, gender equality, justice, and governance. While Natural Law is grounded in reason, reality, and the objective rights of individuals, Sharia Law is primarily based on religious doctrines and traditions. The fundamental differences between these two legal systems make it challenging for them to coexist harmoniously. [1][2][3][4][5][6].

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