The Nature of Right and Wrong: A Case Study

Doing the right thing can be a lot harder then it sounds. The 'right' thing can have different connotations to different people. The 'right' thing might be the 'wrong' thing in a different situation. If a child is hungry is it wrong to steal a loaf of bread to feed her? If a heroin addict needs more smack is it right to give him some? (upside the head). This issue is often the fodder of many water cooler discussions, each side passionately defending their position. When is killing 'right'? Self defense? War? The cast of Entourage?

But more serious even then that, is it ever 'right' to give your dog a middle name? Before you judge someone, try walking a mile in their shoes. What if the dog has a traditionally masculine name like Charley, yet is a female? I can only imagine the anguish this family must endure as strangers refer to their beloved female pet as a 'good boy, yes you are, you're a good boy aren't you'? The humiliation and the indignity must be beyond description. Instead of condemning those who have the courage to defy convention we shall celebrate them. For by giving his dog the middle name of Elizabeth, he has forced us to redefine the very nature of what we call right and wrong.

But do not give a middle name to a cat. That's just wrong.