Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

In reply to the discussion: A simple poll [View all]

QueerDuck

(2,116 posts)
19. Correct! I can understand why many people prefer a binary choice of this-or-that, black-or-white, up-or-down, etc.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 03:06 PM
Jun 5

I think the appeal of a binary choice is that it offers clarity, but politics rarely operates in such black-and-white terms. The real challenge, I believe, isn't picking a side between these two frameworks, but having the discernment to navigate the 'shades of gray.'

We face this constantly --- like when we have to weigh the importance of electoral outcomes against the need for personal or party integrity. It’s rarely about boasting about which 'side' we chose, but about navigating the difficulty of the choice itself.

In a binary poll like this one, specifically regarding "Consequentialism vs. Deontology" it's almost never an abstract academic exercises. I wonder if this poll is intended to serve as a "litmus test" to categorize the users here (or at least the ones who respond.)

On its face, "Consequentialism" is often used to justify "lesser-evil" voting or pragmatic alliances with compromised figures... and "Deontology" is often used to justify ideological purity or "refusing to vote for the system" regardless of the electoral outcome.

The subtext appears to be this: "Are you willing to overlook personal moral failings to achieve a political end?" And in that regard, this poll is could also be viewed as one that wants to promote a debate on political pragmatism versus moral absolutism.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

A simple poll [View all] sarisataka Jun 5 OP
When one side has thrown the rule book in the garbage, then all bets are off. -nt CrispyQ Jun 5 #1
This orangecrush Jun 5 #26
Yup. I'm not a big fan of unilateral disarmament. 11 Bravo Jun 5 #27
Would you kill Hitler? Nothing is absolute. Scrivener7 Jun 5 #2
It is a philosophical question so there is no "right" answer sarisataka Jun 5 #6
If you're a time traveler, you don't have to kill Hitler at all Uncle Joe Jun 6 #32
Morality is relative to the context and circumstances Fiendish Thingy Jun 5 #3
That is a comparison often brought up sarisataka Jun 5 #8
That's why your poll is flawed logically Fiendish Thingy Jun 5 #10
It is not a poll of logic sarisataka Jun 5 #12
Logic is one essential element of philosophy Fiendish Thingy Jun 5 #13
I tend to view it as a question of values and how seriously we take them. Jedi Guy Jun 5 #15
It's also ironic that the accusations against Platner Fiendish Thingy Jun 5 #17
I don't think she's the only one who's reported borderline violent behavior during past relationships, though. Jedi Guy Jun 5 #18
Her account is the only one I've read alleging violence Fiendish Thingy Jun 5 #21
Logic is a component sarisataka Jun 5 #16
Explaining my "Pass" response Bettie Jun 5 #4
Exactly why I didn't vote obamanut2012 Jun 5 #5
Correct! I can understand why many people prefer a binary choice of this-or-that, black-or-white, up-or-down, etc. QueerDuck Jun 5 #19
You could simply ask sarisataka Jun 5 #24
Yes, I remember it well. It was a position that was secretly supported but publicly excused by many... QueerDuck Jun 5 #25
That "baby Hitler" line made me think of an episode of Family Guy Polybius Jun 5 #31
Need an "it depends" option. Happy Hoosier Jun 5 #7
Not always an either or issue, so I passed jimmy the one Jun 5 #9
That would make it too easy sarisataka Jun 5 #11
What people say vs what they would do Sympthsical Jun 5 #14
I support Rawlsian Liberalism. mr715 Jun 5 #20
That begs the question sarisataka Jun 5 #22
When I took political theory, the floor was the number 20. mr715 Jun 5 #23
Appreciation for all who answered and the discussion sarisataka Jun 5 #28
That was an adept rhetorical flourish, sarisataka mr715 Jun 5 #29
Sometimes the choice is one of bad or worse. GoodRaisin Jun 5 #30
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»A simple poll»Reply #19