I am not arguing that NML is a fleshed out set of rules for a society

its a skeleton

it might be a skeleton, but it isn't the skeleton

I can propose a skeleton which contradcits this skeleton, and we'll be left with nothing but our own tastes to reconcile between the two

so try it

how do you create a functioning society without using ANY of the precepts of NML

I mean live isn't civilization V, I can't just try it out on a test society.

I can live on my own and not obey the 5 precepts

and I won't necessarily be punished for doing so

not obeying the 5 precepts means you commit suicide

uh not necessarily

yes

literally by definition

I can disobey by not worshipping god

by not having children

by not educating children

Precept 1: Preserve Life

Okay, let's say I follow that one, but ignore the rest

so you are admitting that precept 1 is necessary

no it's not

but that one is more complicated to argue so I would rather start with another

let's say I decide not to have children

on a macro scale, 1 person not having children doesnt matter, but on a micro scale you will be a biological failure

uh wait we were talking about what I could do as an individual no?

both

I can't organize a society I don't have the influence.

again

theres no difference between the individual and the society

😑

is there a difference between me and you?

thats not what i mean and you know it

But both influence each other, yes?

well I have no idea what you mean now

because you're saying the individual and society are identical

i think you do and just refuse to admit you understand

and yet when I ask about my decisions as an individual, you say those are not the decisions of society!

so clearly, by your own line of reasoning I am not equivalent to society

because otherwise, you would have let me continue with my "what if I don't have children" example

consider the macro scale then

what if the entire society does what you do

it dies out