Q&A: The Limits of Humility and Autonomy
The Limits of Humility and Autonomy
Question
Hello,
In principle, and not from a utilitarian standpoint—of preventing revenge, desecration of God’s name, and the like—does the value of autonomy still apply even when a person of good character has investigated, toiled, and reflected, and by virtue of his autonomous authority has reached the conclusion that Baruch Goldstein is a role model, and that in order to establish the kingdom of Heaven one must massacre Arabs living in the Land of Israel, because on that day he felt and was certain that they posed a danger? And all this insofar as it stems from rational thought and not from emotion, and not from lowly anti-Arab hatred.
Who are we to prevent him from acting according to his own judgment? And perhaps the trait of humility obligates us to listen and to recognize even actions done with pure intent, though they are not aesthetically pleasing?
Answer
Obviously. Choosing evil is also a choice.