The ‘ought’ concept and why it’s dangerous!

 There is always great danger in telling people what they ‘ought’ to believe or ‘ought’ to think or ‘ought’ to say.

Of course, the word ‘ought’ doesn’t have to be used specifically but if the implication of what you’re being told is that you ‘ought’ or ‘ought not’ to do/say/think something, beware!

It may be right, but just beware.

Why?

Well, the ‘ought’ concept is very judgmental and has clear implications that you are bad or ignorant or immoral or uncaring or selfish if you don't.
And who wants to be, or for others to think of you as, bad or ignorant or immoral or selfish or uncaring?

None of us, right?

So, a form of words that mean ‘ought’ or ‘ought not’ is not a suggestion to considera view, but rather an attempt to coerce via shame or ridicule.

Examples of ‘ought’/'ought not'

Fear: You ‘ought’ to be very fearful. If you aren’t, you are ignorant or stupid etc

Intolerance: You ‘ought not’ to tolerate those whose opinions differ from yours. If you do, you are ignorant or immoral etc

Censorship: You ‘ought’ to agree with increasing limitations on freedom of speech. If you don’t, you are ignorant or immoral etc

Social media cancel culture: You ‘ought’ to be quite happy with people’s careers being ruined because they hold legal but unpopular views. If you aren’t, you are ignorant or immoral etc

Don’t be an ‘oughter’!

Think for yourself, ask questions, do your own research and come to your own conclusions; dare to listen to alternative views; and encourage others to do the same.

Indeed, you ‘ought’ to do these things, right?