Is suffering (as a concept) necessary?
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point
Suffering has never been associated with a sunk cost, so I'm pretty sure that's just semantics, and makes the definition of "suffering" way foggier than it needs to be. The term actually arose sacrificium, a latin term which at the time could mean anything from druids tying slaves to trees and burning them, or the occasional act of animal cruelty that I'd rather not get into. These things have always been referred to as suffering, regardless of what is expected to happen afterwards. EDIT: I agree that simple suffering is not necessary as an abstract, (justice, ethic of reciprocity, etc) much less necessary is the actual suffering by itself. The actions that cause suffering are sometimes necessary. |