Gotcha, that makes more sense. In any event, I don’t find your theory of distinction between speech and action very convincing. From a moral perspective, public and private speech can be viewed equivalently by those who believe in virtue ethics, by consequentialists, and by deontologists. I am struggling to see the argument for why state-associated speech is less excusable, when the impact it has on society is clearly detrimental, and when people acting on their own behalf have even more responsibility to bear than those “just taking orders” on behalf of the state or other organization.
So basically your point is that “I was following orders” is a valid moral defense? Cool, I’m not interested in that line of argument.
The opposite, I’m saying actions are what should be held accountable.
Gotcha, that makes more sense. In any event, I don’t find your theory of distinction between speech and action very convincing. From a moral perspective, public and private speech can be viewed equivalently by those who believe in virtue ethics, by consequentialists, and by deontologists. I am struggling to see the argument for why state-associated speech is less excusable, when the impact it has on society is clearly detrimental, and when people acting on their own behalf have even more responsibility to bear than those “just taking orders” on behalf of the state or other organization.