[Dr. Thrunk]

Is there a distinction between public and private morality? Where would one draw the line? How does one define one over the other?

My question comes after reading a recent blog post by Bill Vallicella (Maverick Philosopher: Machiavelli, Arendt, and Virtues Private and Public) in which he notes the need for those Machivellian types in order for a space to be created for private and "womanish" virtues. It reminds me of Michael Novak's defense of Nietzschean will-to-power because it creates a space for the nuns and priests to practice the private virtues of the faith.

I don't think there is a distinction proper, at least for the Christian, and I think imposing this distinction defeats the purpose of a Christian ethic. And, I think Bill butchers and misreads the "morality" sections in the Sermon on the Mount.

What do you all think?

[bobthecockroach]

"You may love peace, but unless you are prepared to make war upon your enemies and show them no mercy, you may not be long for this world."

Yeah, and it would be terrible if following God got you killed in say... your early 30s.

Oh wait...