Societies


(T.1) Groups of individuals are bounded by a set of common interests that provide for the benefit of the group as a collective entity. These groups bound by such a set of common interests we shall call societies. The same individuals may be members of more than one society. Examples include families of biologically related individuals, groups with common cultural interests, groups with common theological and religious interests, groups with common governmental interests ranging for neighborhood watch groups to local, country, state, and national groups with common political interests, groups with concerns for security of, and defense against, common enemies, and groups espousing different philosophical views.

(T.2) Because each society is bound by a unique set of interests, no two societies can have identical sets of common interest. This does not preclude the possibility that some common interests are shared by different societies. But the differences in other interests not shared, leads to conflicts between societies of all kinds. The degree of conflict varies in accordance the specific morals in conflict and the specific values of the morals in conflict held by each society.

(T.3) Conflict between societies is unavoidable. The attainment of a universal and lasting peace between different societies is impossible.

(T.4) The victor in a conflict dictates the collective morals to which the vanquished must acquiesce.

(T.5) Acquiescence of an individual to the collective morals of a society we shall define as civility. The action of acquiescence to civility is dictated by the morals of the individual.

(T.6) The collective morals of a society are often codified as law for use in governing the individuals in the society.

Summation

(T) Groups of individuals may form societies that promote the common interests of each society and adopt societal moral codes forbehavior of the individuals within the society. Difference in these societal moral codes lead to conflict between societies. Further, the differences in the moral codes of individuals and moral codes of the society in which they live also lead to conflict between individual and society.


Societies