Hi coberst and welcome to PC...

We have not had a chance to get to know you..it seems you began here with your thoughts on morality. Not complaining, mind you, but as we are a support community with a focus on mental health,,it might seem you came in a side door...

It is a resonable discussion and you are obviously capable and have received some wonderfull responses..This community is Graced by some caring and competent minds..

I have two comments..that you might consider..

Yes,,we are the ultimate authority on our choices,,but not on the consensus of those choices. That is left to whatever our community(society) dictates. What is moral for me in my attitudes about women is blasphemy for another,,say in Iraq...for example...Historical culture forms social attitudes...

Your focus seems to dictate a direct correlation to moral thinking is derived from pointed study. I find this very limiting. Some of the most moral men and women I have ever met have seldom opened a book or embarked upon a conversation such as the one you began here...

Poets have spoke of Love for centuries,,trying to explain the paradox of its pain and joy...but each human experiences its miraculous gifts in our own personal vaccum...

Morality too, is an ever constant flux of energies between appetite and conscience...the latter being engrained by consequence...and example.

But these are only my opinions...

I would like to learn more about you and how we can help,,when you have a moment...

Lenny