An eclectic conversation II

This is a report of the philosophy cafe session on 20 August 2008.

There was no single question used for discussion. Instead, an eclectic conversation ensued. Here are two highlights.

SEXY YOUNG GIRLS
Some parents doll up their young daughters, even as young as under 10 years of age, for singing, dancing and other contests. Often, these girls are physically similar to older girls. Thus, to an onlooker, they appear to be sexually attractive (and sometimes mature) young women, with their real ages becoming apparent only if identity documents are checked. Say some man responds to this presentation in a sexual way; has he done anything wrong? The immediate response is "paedophile!" Consider an alternative response. Parents voluntarily, willingly and deliberately present their young daughters to the world, sometimes even on national television, as sexually attractive (and sometimes mature) young women; this invites a sexual response -- and it's only natural to get such a response. Our discussion of this question stops here.

RESIGNATION BEHAVIOUR
An employee is badly treated by his employer. His talents and contributions are neither recognised nor rewarded. He decides to resign. The question is how should he behave while serving out his period of notice? One response: He should continue to do his work conscientiously, even making sure to do a proper handover to the person taking over his job. For two reasons. First, he is a professional. Second, if he is derelict, the market will speak ill of him, and this will adversely affect his prospects at other companies. Another response: The company has mistreated him; there is no reason to continue to be good to his company. He is entitled to return the favour. Just do nothing and sit tight till the final day. There is no intelligence network in the market. There is no third response: Nobody suggests doing criminal acts.

Our next philosophy cafe session is on 17 September 2008. Venue: Gone Fishing Cafe, 15 Chu Lin Road. Time: 8-10pm. Free admission. All are welcome.