[Dan Miller (930421.1145)]
Gary Cziko (930420) wonders,
<But now I'm confused again. What could it mean in PCT to be guilty?
Rick Marken (930421) replying to Gary Cziko suggests that
<intention and recognition of "wrongness"
in one's actions define guilt. Also, Rick notes,
<So control is right, conflict is wrong.
I think that the "control is right; conflict is wrong" principle
is not very helpful for the very reasons Rick states earlier.
Not all actions are perceived and defined in the same way. That is,
the socially emergent levels of the hierarchy are not always composed
of shared principles. There is much disagreement and potential conflict.
This was evident in the tragic confrontation outside Waco.
To me, guilt involves intention, an acknowledgement of intention, and
a recognition that the action had consequences perceived as wrong,
harmful, etc. to the larger community. I think that there is this
social quality, that of understanding how others perceive our actions.
In this way we make ourselves accountable to others.
Bill Powers (930421) adds,
<Isn't guilt wishing you hadn't done something you've
<already done?
Yes, but there is more than this remorse. In addition, there is
an acknowledgement (at least the perception of) wrongdoing and
responsibility. I think that guilt involves accountability - a higher
level perception (perhaps shared with others) that one acts intentionally
is responsible for his or her actions, and anticipates how others will
perceive his or her actions. I think that this fits PCT. Other views?
Later,
Dan Miller