10 Commandments Revisited

One of my earliest blog posts was an analysis of the commonly quoted version of the 10 commandments, this post will be my attempt at 10 rules to live by that would provide far better moral guidance.

1. Treat others how they wish to be treated, if you do not know turn to No.2.

2. Treat others as you would wish to be treated (unless you know that for some reason they would not appreciate it).

3. If there is still any ambiguity just don't be a dick.

4. Do not discriminate against others for any reason (unless they are applying for a position that it can be clearly demonstrated they are unable to adequately fill eg a blind bus driver)

5. Do not accept claims of any significance without sufficient evidence, but accept the claim if suitable evidence is provided.

6. Do not commit logical fallacies or other intellectual dishonesty when debating with others.

7. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, however insane, just as long as they do not lead to stupid actions but if you publicly voice your beliefs be prepared to defend them.

8. Do not sacrifice privacy for security, the level of control granted to the government will be too easy to abuse should a git ever attain power.

9. Develop science to cure disease, prevent poverty and just generally improve life for everyone.

Since I am struggling to find enough things to fill the list we will assume this list is intended as a direct replacement for the biblical version so
10. I am the lord your god, please follow the religious practices outlined elsewhere in this text(they would also need rewriting).

The first three cover a huge variety of restrictions such as don't murder, don't steal, don't lie, don't rape, probably shouldn't commit adultery either, slavery is bad, so is assault, and so on but also cover social things such as showing respect for others and just generally being nice. Most prohibitions also come with a clause of without just cause such as a homeless man stealing food to survive would be morally ok even though to avoid ambiguity it would need to remain legally wrong. But some such as slavery and rape are ALWAYS WRONG, also not all crimes are equal. eg murder needs a legal penalty adultery doesn't.

This is just something I have thrown together in 20 minutes so it could probably be improved on but I still think it is in a different league to the Biblical version.