Ethics

Brooks discusses ethical naturalism in the NYT.  As with all interesting systems, Brooks notes that almost no systems of morality were designed systems.  Rather, they evolved.  What I didn't see noted was brilliant ethical naturalist Jane Jacobs and her observations.  I've noted them before, but perhaps not recently.  Here is my line on ethics, and here is my line on Jacobs. 

Summarizing Jacobs:   There are 2 fundamental approaches to dealing with people: conflict or cooperation, trade or war.  Furthermore, the virtues needed for trade are DIFFERENT than the virtues needed for war.  In trade, equality is essential, while in war, hierarchy is necessary.  Jacobs has a 15-item list on the differences, and I've duplicated it in my post referenced above.  Worth looking at. 

Also worth noting that the left-libertarian/anarchist position can be summarized real quick in jacobs-ian terms: The protector ethic is wrong/evil.  And all proponents of government actions are pushing said protector-ethic.  Big business is a protector ethic.  Academia too.