Free Will and AIDS Spreaders

SS51000 (SS51@NEMOMUS.BITNET)
Wed, 1 Jun 1994 11:54:06 CDT

Let me suggest that the list now provides a fine specimen of free
willism's value in rationalizing blame-placing: the spread of AIDS is
being attributed to the irresponsible behavior of those individuals who,
of their own free will, engage in unprotected sex even though they know
better.Blaming these "irresponsible" free spirits may help the blamers
feel better; and if it prompts actions it may even impact the problem a
bit (though I doubt it). But it certainly does nothing to help describe
or explain the "irresponsible" behavior itself. Indeed, it mystifies
the behavior precisely so it can be condemned with a clear conscience.
The scientific position is abandoned so the moralistic one can be taken
up. --Bob Graber