Thread by @_benoux_

On the Golden Rule

1/ Definitions

2/ Is Golden Rule enforced?

Golden Rule is not a rule. It’s a code of conduct, even more, it’s a code of virtue.

Not written as “νομος” (law) but “κανών” (code).

A code of virtue, if enforced, loses its defining element: virtue. It's not golden anymore. Just a rule.

3/ Is Golden Rule a contract?

The Golden Rule is NOT a contract. No equal participation of volunteers. In that respect, it expects nothing in return.

Example: The Good Samaritan didn’t sign any a contractual agreement when he provided aid to the helpless victim.

4/ Who are the “judges” of the Golden Rule?

Jesus understood context. When asked, in the context of “this world”, he refused to become a religious judge & enforce virtue. Virtue should be written in the hearts of people. This is eternal.

5/ Social Contract = Silver Rule

The modern concept of voluntary social Contract in all members of the society, as equals, is a manifestation of Silver Rule. But were was the social contract in Rome? In ancient Greece? In India? Limited in certain class, tribe or local region.

6/ Social contract developed as such: all members of the body of Christ are equal: Women & Men, Free & Slaves.

ex: Church actively secured (Golden Rule) that in all marriages the bride says “yes” w/ absence of coercive force. NOT in the muslim world, NOT in the indian world.

7/ Black Slavery: the Silver Rule between traders

Black slavery was the product of the enlightenment, the most profitable merchandise that liberals (like T. Jefferson) could buy through adverts that other liberals promoted (like B. Franklin who sold slaves in his newspapers).

8/ Anti-slavery movement was the product of Christian Golden Rule. It was urged by Quakers’ antislavery committees to actively aid the helpless slaves (Golden Rule). Some slaves, however, didn't like the idea.

Example: black author, nostalgic on the safety of being a slave.

9/ Is Golden Rule “Lindy”?

There is only one Rule named “Golden” in all European languages. You can’t beat this level of Lindiness without, of course, erasing all European literature.

10/ Golden Rule & economy.

Those who don't distinguish between "free markets" and "plutocracy" (like Xenophon did) are incapable to distinguish between Golden Rule and Iron Law.

Iron Law: virtue signalling (e.g. Golden Rule) in theory, oligarchic elites in reality

11/ Golden Rule & Law

In some cases UK Common Law was found unfair & counterbalanced by the Equity process, by Lord Chancellor (priest) that kept the "conscience of the King".

The catch: plaintiffs should have "clean hands".

"The Golden Rule of the Royal Law of Equity" 1688

12/ Golden Rule & Law (#2)

Notice that ancient legal systems focused on what you SHOULD NOT DO (silver rule) w/ simplistic reactionary punishments.

Equity introduced doctrine of G. Rule on what you SHOULD DO e.g. injunctions forcing powerful people to DO SOMETHING (RESTORE).

13/ Golden Rule & Law (#3)

Example: history is full of stories of powerful stealing family land from the weak. When justice was served they only had to pay remedies (UK Comm Law). G Rule (equity injunction) forced them to actually restore (return the land, rebuild house etc).

14/ Paradox of law

Finally we have to address the paradoxes: every law has a "text" and a "spirit" (paradox 1). Golden Rule is the ideal spirit of law, not the law. Certain slaves liked the safety of slavery (paradox 2) & equity may go beyond its spirit (Iron Law, paradox 3).

15/ Summary

📌Silver Rule: passive symmetry (a contract with peers of equal status)

📌Golden Rule: proactive symmetry (theologically: a contract with God)

🔥A "saviour complex" can lead to global abolition of slavery... or ... a proactive "terror of virtue" (see Robespierre)