katysails wrote:
Doug,
In order for your first point to succeed, you ahve to have your second
point in place for development of conscience.

I disagree.

... When young children are being
raised, it is necessary that there be consequences for actions...good and
bad.

Agreed. But that can be reduced to simple behaviorism... mechanistically
reinforcing children to act in ways that are "good."

This is not the same thing as having (and following) a rational moral &
ethical code.


... Consequences can be equivocated to punishment at times if the
infraction is grave. Fear of negative consequence is a healthy thing. It
keeps us from becoming sociopathic.

The problem with this viewpoint is that it erases the difference between
a sociopath who is restrained by fear of punishment, and a person who
has no tendency towards sociopathy.

This sort of thinking is like those cops who believe that there's no
such thing as an honest citizen. Do you believe this is right & good?!?
I find it hard to believe that you do...

DSK