[HPforGrownups] Re: House elves and WW ethics

[Laura Ingalls Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 58155


> --- Joe S. wrote:
> >     I hear a lot of complaints about the ethics in the Wizarding
> > World...and while I agree that the WW is by no means a perfect
> > paradise, I believe that it *does* ethically have a few points of
> > higher ground compared to Muggle society (though I'm refering to laws
> > and policies of America, due to a lack of knowledge of the law
> > systems of other countries). In GOF (pg 217), Crouch-as-Moody
> > states "...those three curses, Avada Kedarva, Imperious, and
> > Cruciatus - are known as the Unforgivable Curses. The use of any one
> > of them, on a fellow human being is enough to earn a life sentence in
> > Azkaban."
> >     So in other words, it is illegal to kill someone, no matter the
> > circumstances.

First, how is this "higher ground"?  Are you trying to argue that it is
morally wrong to kill another person in self-defense?  *confused*  I will
concede that there are people out there who would argue that, but...I've
just never met one. *looks at you curiously*

Second, the fact that Avada Kedarva is illegal does not make *all* ways of
killing illegal.  There are several other ways one could kill someone else
with magic.  Also, Aurors *were* authorized to use AK during Voldemort's
little reign of terror.  So, I'd say that they believe that killing is okay,
under certain circumstances.  Which is pretty much aligned with the beliefs
of, AFAIK, most of America.

Laura