The psychoanalyst Erich Fromm refers in his book The Heart of Man to knowledge of good and evil from traditional beliefs derived from conventions by authorities as alienated knowledge. It is considered "valid" because it simply comes from these sources. For his understanding, cognition means making what you learn your own - experiencing it and experimenting with yourself rather than having an authoritative opinion. Thus it is not enough according to him to decide on general principles.
Take horror fans for example. They enjoy terrifying movies (for example the SAW franchise), but they distance themselves from the violence in it. They would never commit these acts of violence because they know exactly what the acts do to others.
Now, what about "deres"?
By being concerned with their tendencies, they can make their way through the ugliness in order to decide what is good and evil.
Through interacting with one another they can draw lines and insist on them - just like male bishōjo fans in Japan do.
(Japanese bishōjo games are erotic games with cute girl characters in which they are both loved and abused.)
Any thoughts on this?