Item 1 in The Satanic Temple's Seven Fundamental Tenets
Compassion guided by reason
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.
- Position
- 1
- Form
- Mixed formulation
- Obligation
- Context-dependent
- Wording status
- Translation
- Intended audience
- Members and supporters of The Satanic Temple
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Names and terminology
Canonical name: First tenet
Original term: First tenet
Transliteration: First tenet
Source wording
<p>Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.
Broader interpretation
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.
Historical context
This principle belongs to The Satanic Temple's Seven Fundamental Tenets and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.
Ethical purpose
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason.
Exceptions and disputes
Flexible interpretation prevents rigid literalism but requires explicit reasons and accountability.
Variations across schools or traditions
Other Satanic organisations and independent Satanists use different texts, symbols and ethical systems.
Modern application
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.
Criticism and difficult cases
Flexible interpretation prevents rigid literalism but requires explicit reasons and accountability.
Truth By Reason analysis
Act with compassion and empathy informed by reason. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Satanic Temple — Seven Fundamental Tenets Primary source