Individual existence

---

I – The exact nature of existence is not fully understood.

II – My existence and my reality might be the only true existence with all things being a consequence of my existence.

III – My existence might be a consequence of another’s existence making me a consequence of and dependent upon their existence.

IV – My existence might be a consequence of the existence of an underpinning reality which is separate and non-dependent upon any other existence.

V – Given the beliefs of Those Who Muse, my existence is a consequence of and dependent on another’s existence. 

VI – Said other would be God. 

I - The unique biology, stimuli, and experiences of an individual shape their perception of themselves and their perceived existence.

II – Each conscious individual should understand how their biology affects and limits their ability to interpret stimuli.

III – The biology, stimuli, and experiences of an individual are necessarily different from all others, making each individual's perception of themselves and their existence unique.

IV – Since an individual's perception of themselves and their existence is unique it can be said that every individual is the center of their own existence.

V – As the center of their own existence, individuals should be aware of this centrality as all other individuals are central to themselves. 

VI – An individual can only control their perceptions and reality up to the extent of their understanding. 

VII – Within their understanding and capacity, individuals should work to advance their understanding of their perceptions and reality. 

VIII – As individuals gain greater understanding of their perceptions and reality, the limitations imposed by their perceptions and reality will diminish, allowing them to become more self-actualized. 

I – Inherent refers to qualities or traits that are an essential and permanent part of something or someone, naturally existing within them.

II – Virtue refers to certain intentions, actions or inactions that when viewed subjectively are considered to be beneficial to the common good and to the individual.

III – Inherent virtue is the intrinsic and universal understanding of virtuous behavior shared among humanity. 

IV – Inherent virtue creates a basis for all social interaction which is a requirement for humanities advancement.

V – Inherent virtues are determined by the principles of existence, the individuals’ genetic makeup, and by an individual’s experiences. 

VI – Genetic variance can cause an individual’s inherent virtues to be divergent from the rest of a given population.

VII – Learning and experience can cause an individual’s inherent virtues to be divergent from the rest of a given population.  

VIII – As such it is important to understand that while virtue is an inherent trait in humanity it can be distorted or overridden due genetic variance, poor treatment, environment, hardships, or horror. 

I – Most choices are biologically determined and are therefore completely unconscious behaviors which work to make an individual act in certain ways given certain conditions. 

II – Some choices are unconsciously learned behaviors which can affect both conscious and unconscious behaviors. 

III – Some choices are the result of conscious teaching and thought which can affect both conscious and unconscious behaviors. 

IV – As an action of willpower an Individual can overcome both conscious and unconscious imperatives. 

V – As many choices are the result of conscious or unconscious learning it is vital that both environment and teaching are oriented in ways deemed beneficial for the common good and the individual.

VI – Understanding the type of choice that led to a given behavior is important in that it can determine the moral implications of said behavior

VII – Those choices that are a direct result of will are the sole responsibility of a given individual.

VIII – Those choices that are a result of genetics, environmental factors, and unconscious learning are not only the responsibility of the individual but are also the responsibility of society.

IX – It is necessary for society to understand and accept its role in the actions of the individual.

I – An individual’s decisions or behaviors necessarily have effects on its existence.

II – Certain decisions or behaviors will benefit the individual.

III – Certain decisions or behaviors will harm the individual. 

IV – When beneficial decisions or behaviors are made the likelihood of further positive outcomes increase. 

V – When harmful decisions or behaviors are made the likelihood of further negative outcomes increase. 

VI – While prior decisions and behaviors can affect future outcomes there can be no guarantee of any given outcome. 

VII – Despite the absence of guaranteed outcomes, individuals should strive to make beneficial decisions or behaviors to increase the likelihood of positive results.

I – While often quite similar each individual will always have a unique perspective.

II – Each individual’s perspective is biologically based on its faculties to perceive.

III – Each individual’s perspective is further colored by the said individual’s learning and experience.

IV – A given individual must accept that its own perspective is not necessarily true or correct.

V – As an individual within society we each must understand that our views are not the only views.

VI – Each individual should accept and understand that while it is not necessarily possible to agree with every other viewpoint it should accept their existence and work to understand them when reasonable.

VII – In every incident which is observed by more than one individual multiple separate and unique interpretations of the same event will result.

VIII – Even when there is an actual representation of an event such as a video, recording, photo, or transcript each individual will still develop a separate and unique interpretation of said event.

I – Bias is the internal or external views held by an individual that consciously or unconsciously affect their perceptions, opinions, actions, inactions, and interactions.

II – It must be accepted that bias is a part of our natural biological functioning.

III – Each individual has its own unique set of biases due to its own unique biology and learning.

IV – Biases are often inappropriate and destructive to the common good and to individuals.

VII – As many biases are inappropriate and destructive each individual must accept the existence and the effects of bias.

VIII – As many biases are inappropriate and destructive each individual must work to reduce bias through understanding and education.

* Racism is an extreme form of bias as it is a conscious and willful bias based on actual or perceived biological differences. 

I – Each individual will have its own unique set of opinions based upon its own biology, learning, and experience.

II – Opinions are a necessary part of intelligent life as it provides a lens by which we see the world. 

III – Opinions are a necessary part of intelligent life as it provides references by which we can make inferences and decisions. 

IV – Despite the necessity of opinions individuals must accept that its opinions do not dictate reality. 

V – Individuals must be willing to hear other opinions.

VI -Individuals must be willing to adjust their own opinions under the correct conditions. 

I – Sexuality is a biological function in that upon creation of a given organism said organism is biologically predisposed to attempt to reproduce as its biology dictates.

II – As sexuality is a biological process a given organism does not choose to be heterosexual, homosexual, or asexual, etc. 

III - In sufficiently intelligent and conscious organisms a given individual should not be considered negatively if its biological sexual preference is different than the majority, so long as its sexual preferences cause no harm in other individuals.

IV – In sufficiently intelligent and conscious organisms that have a concept of morality, said morality should not lead to persecution of other forms of sexuality except when said forms of sexuality cause harm. 

I – It must be accepted that guilt, sorrow, and remorse are a part of our natural biological functioning. 

II – Guilt, sorrow, and remorse exist to show us the wrongness and consequence of our actions.

III – When experienced guilt, sorrow, and remorse should be carefully reviewed to determine if they are justified.  

IV – If it is determined that guilt, sorrow, and remorse are justified the underlying causes of these emotions should be examined to identify their origin.

V – Whenever feasible actively seek opportunities to derive insights from thorough analyses of justified guilt, sorrow, and remorse.

VI – Experiencing, examining, and embracing guilt, sorrow, and remorse is beneficial to the common good and to the individual. 

I – We currently do not know if the is any form of continuation past our current existence.

II – Individuals should not live in a virtuous and meaningful life solely for possible rewards in a next existence.  

III – Individuals should not live in an inglorious life solely on the idea there is no other existence beyond this one. 

IV – Individual should work to lead a virtuous and meaningful life in all circumstances regardless of the existence of an afterlife. 

V – This outlook benefits both the common good and the individual.