Comments on: Is It Ever Moral to Die?

By: ed42

ed42 — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:01:16 +0000

I think instinct (and estimated timing) would decide about saving child or myself. I would probably try saving us both and end up both dying.

I would (probably) never be a prisoner of war because the reasoning applied to leaving the church is (to me) the same as leaving the state (and so I would never voluntarily become a soldier). However, I would attempt to escape because I can not control the evil actions of my captors.

Using this same reasoning bothers me in the spy scenario, is it perhaps because I’ve given my word?

Unless they agree, I could never kill another human for food. This could be role reversed: Suppose I sense I am near death and the other is starving, should I allow him to kill me for food? This is complicated because help could show up at any moment.

The dollar amount (nor the hiring agency) for killing another (mobster or politician) is not relevant. However if there is ‘beyond a doubt’ evidence that the mobster or politician owes restitution to my client I would consider being hired to extract (by force if necessary) restitution from said criminal.

Go ahead and show me where my reasoning is wrong – I want to learn/discuss.

By: ideclare

ideclare — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 04:06:09 +0000

“Are you looking for your readers to answer each specific situation?”

Not necessarily. I’m more interested in your sharing answers that you think are particularly insightful and questions you are having trouble answering. Of course, if someone wants to answer all of the questions — or propose questions that aren’t on my list but make unique points — that would be great!

By: ed42

ed42 — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:34:04 +0000

When I read your title question my first thought was an article about suicide. I generally (by default?) subscribe to the “Do not initiate force or fraud” philosophy, so suicide, unless it harms others, is moral in my opinion. However, if I have taken responsibly for the life of a child (or incapable adult) then suicide is immoral unless I have made arrangements to take care of such.

As to your situations above I generally stick with “If I have caused the problem, then I am responsible for the result” and “I can’t control the actions of others”.

Are you looking for your readers to answer each specific situation?

By: Zach

Zach — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:51:32 +0000

I feel like there’s a semantic issue in this: there is a difference between the duty to protect your life above all concerns and the right to protect your life. In terms of the second question this doesn’t matter, but I don’t think there’s any Q1 violation if I choose to sacrifice my life for some other concern, unless of course it is my duty, not my right, to protect my life.