Would You Kill One Person To Save Five?

[Furtherman]

If you had to choose between one person getting killed or five people getting killed, you'd pick the one with the lower death toll, right? Ah, but there's a catch. The five people were going to get killed without your intervention. They were hiking along train tracks in a cut through a narrow canyon and a runaway train came through and killed them. Clearly, that's not your fault. The one person, however, was going to be fine, hiking along another fork of the track in a parallel canyon. You can switch the train from one track to another, but if you do, the single hiker's death will be directly, and consciously, the result of your actions, not just the cruel hand of fate. You will have saved five people, which is arguably the greater good, but personally killed one innocent person. What do you do?

People Will Virtually Kill One to Save Five (http://news.discovery.com/tech/virtual-reality-ethics-111206.html#mkcpgn=rssnws1)


Interesting scenario. What would you do.

My first instinct was not to throw the switch, because I thought - well, if they made that mistake in the first place, why should I condemn another? I don't think I would have thrown the switch.

But... maybe my choice would change if there were more people... 20... 100?

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[underdog]

Can I kill them all?

[Furtherman]

Can I kill them all?

NO. YOU MUST CHOOSE.

[disneyspy]

HE DESERVES TO DIE FOR SPLITTING AWAY FROM THE GROUP!

i mean who goes off by themselves like that? he's just asking for something bad to happen to him,i flip the switch

[spoon]

Can I kill them all?

beat me to it


so can we just kill this thread instead?

:devil2:

[Furtherman]

Everyone will have to make a decision like this once the Apocalypse arrives.

THINK ABOUT IT NOW!!!

[Melk]

I hate this "thought experiment"

[Furtherman]

I hate this "thought experiment"

Because it makes you question your judgements?

[spoon]

Because it makes you question your judgements?

whichever one takes less effort on my part

how's that?




and no, nothing to do with judgements

[Furtherman]

No one likes to make the tough decisions.







I will lead you all through the wasteland.

[sailor]

Of course you do. Not even a dilemma.

[spoon]

No one likes to make the tough decisions.







I will lead you all through the wasteland.

you're kidding right!? I was hoping you'd be in either that 5 person party or the single hiker so I could make sure the train went your way!

we'll make sure that you don't suffer...much

yet you're sure to go in the first/initial wave when the shit hits the fan

[Furtherman]

you're kidding right!? I was hoping you'd be in either that 5 person party or the single hiker so I could make sure the train went your way!

we'll make sure that you don't suffer...much

yet you're sure to go in the first/initial wave when the shit hits the fan

I'm driving the train. But I passed out on potato vodka.

[A.J.]

Don't grieve Furtherman...it's logical.

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctentertainment/upload/2009/05/startrek2-kirkglass2.jpg

[Snoogans]

NO. YOU MUST CHOOSE.

then ill kill the 5 people to save the one

[Furtherman]

then ill kill the 5 people to save the one

Ah, but they would have died anyway. Not your fault.

Unless you find fault in doing nothing.

[Snoogans]

Ah, but they would have died anyway. Not your fault.

Unless you find fault in doing nothing.

can i shoot them before the train gets there?

[Snoogans]

i got a question. how many people are on the train? that train was fuckin movin, if you throw the switch and make it turn hard left at the last minute, you are libel to derail the trail. if the train is full of people, you mighta just killed 100 people tryin to save 5.

I NEED ANSWERS

[disneyspy]

i wouldve put a rock on the switch so the train derails,saving them all

[Snoogans]

i wouldve put a rock on the switch so the train derails,saving them all

and killing everyone on the train, you tool

[disneyspy]

and killing everyone on the train, you tool

it looked like a runaway box car with no one onboard

AND I HAD TO MAKE A SPLIT DECISION!

[Snoogans]

it looked like a runaway box car with no one onboard

AND I HAD TO MAKE A SPLIT DECISION!

im sorry, the train has no conductor now? there is no one on the train to help with unloading freight? It wasnt a runaway, it was just a train on tracks. it didnt know the people would be there.

So even if its not a passenger train, people are still gonna be on it

[Dude!]

the scenario was obviously developed
by a sexist, man-hating woman

so i abstain in protest

[Snoogans]

it looked like a runaway box car with no one onboard

AND I HAD TO MAKE A SPLIT DECISION!

plus what if it was transporting important medical supplies. now you derailed it and a whole village of african children is gonna die of malaria.

[disneyspy]

im sorry, the train has no conductor now? there is no one on the train to help with unloading freight? It wasnt a runaway, it was just a train on tracks. it didnt know the people would be there.

So even if its not a passenger train, people are still gonna be on it

did you watch the video? its a runaway box car,no passengers

[Furtherman]

im sorry, the train has no conductor now? there is no one on the train to help with unloading freight? It wasnt a runaway, it was just a train on tracks. it didnt know the people would be there.

So even if its not a passenger train, people are still gonna be on it

No one on it. Runaway train.

can i shoot them before the train gets there?

You do not have a gun.

i wouldve put a rock on the switch so the train derails,saving them all

Not an option.

[Furtherman]

plus what if it was transporting important medical supplies. now you derailed it and a whole village of african children is gonna die of malaria.

This does not take place in Africa.

[Snoogans]

did you watch the video? its a runaway box car,no passengers

freight trains still have conductors and workers to help unload shit. they arent empty. it might only have 8 people on it instead of 200, but its not empty.

[Snoogans]

No one on it. Runaway train.



You do not have a gun.



Not an option.

how is no one on the train? How did it start moving, then? Even on electric trains, someone has to be there to push buttons to make it move. it cant be completely empty

[Snoogans]

ok i just got what you mean. this video is stupid. a single box car wouldnt have power, so it wouldnt keep going up hills and shit. if you are doin this for real, you have to have a fuckin train.


and what kinda DOPE would walk on a train track like that. all 6 should die

[Furtherman]

freight trains still have conductors and workers to help unload shit. they arent empty. it might only have 8 people on it instead of 200, but its not empty.

how is no one on the train? How did it start moving, then? Even on electric trains, someone has to be there to push buttons to make it move. it cant be completely empty

A runaway train means a train with no one on it to stop it - and it does happen. See the movie Unstoppable, which was based on a true story.

[Snoogans]

A runaway train means a train with no one on it to stop it - and it does happen. See the movie Unstoppable, which was based on a true story.

thats a whole train, this was one car. thats why its silly

[Furtherman]

thats a whole train, this was one car. thats why its silly

Same thing. Maybe it would be called a runaway car, but that would suggest an automobile. So I believe a runaway train-car would still be called a runaway train.

[underdog]

A runaway train means a train with no one on it to stop it - and it does happen. See the movie Unstoppable, which was based on a true story.

Mr. Glass was the best.

[Snoogans]

Same thing. Maybe it would be called a runaway car, but that would suggest an automobile. So I believe a runaway train-car would still be called a runaway train.

can i try to jump into the car so i can feel more responsible for hitting the people?

[spoon]

WHO CARES!!!!!

Can I send this train/car crashing into a stoner and a shitty mod!?!



This thread is a train wreck Fman chose to make us all suffer through. Does it get any more evil?

:furious:

[spoon]

did this guy also write the screenplay for speed 2...oof! :wallbash:

[Furtherman]

Mr. Glass was the best.

Wasn't he?

can i try to jump into the car so i can feel more responsible for hitting the people?

It's going too fast.

WHO CARES!!!!!

Can I send this train/car crashing into a stoner and a shitty mod!?!



This thread is a train wreck Fman chose to make us all suffer through. Does it get any more evil?

:furious:

Yes, it can get more evil. But please, we're having a scientific discussion here. You can always go over to WF's threads if you want to talk.

did this guy also write the screenplay for speed 2...oof! :wallbash:

That was on a boat. There were no trains in Speed 2. There was a train in Speed 1.

[Furtherman]

can i try to jump into the car so i can feel more responsible for hitting the people?

OK, let's say you made it onto the train.


But John Travolta is there with a nuclear bomb and he's gonna blow it up.

NOW WHAT!?

[Snoogans]

Wasn't he?



It's going too fast.



Yes, it can get more evil. But please, we're having a scientific discussion here. You can always go over to WF's threads if you want to talk.



That was on a boat. There were no trains in Speed 2. There was a train in Speed 1.
they managed to get that brotha back in it though and steal his boat

[Snoogans]

OK, let's say you made it onto the train.


But John Travolta is there with a nuclear bomb and he's gonna blow it up.

NOW WHAT!?

call denzel, duh


actually what i would do is, id call my brother, wesley snipes. and he would meet me on the train. i would steal a bag of cash and then ram another train to stop my train, then sneak away with Robert Blakes money

[Furtherman]

call denzel, duh


actually what i would do is, id call my brother, wesley snipes. and he would meet me on the train. i would steal a bag of cash and then ram another train to stop my train, then sneak away with Robert Blakes money

Denzel and Wesley are busy filming Blade 4: Training Day.

[Snoogans]

Denzel and Wesley are busy filming Blade 4: Training Day.

then i call Pooty Tang

[Furtherman]

then i call Pooty Tang

I don't see how Pooty Tang could help you.

THHE TRAIN IS ROLLING. PEOPLE GONNA DIE!!

[Snoogans]

I don't see how Pooty Tang could help you.

THHE TRAIN IS ROLLING. PEOPLE GONNA DIE!!

then i guess i just jump off the train. i survived jumping on. so ill be good gettin off. if he hasa nuclear bomb, even if im 2 miles from the train, im still fucked. so whatever



LONG LIVE TUNEMAN

[spoon]

That was on a boat. There were no trains in Speed 2. There was a train in Speed 1.

no shit, but the premise sucked just like this scenario and thread

[spoon]

what next, you gonna throw momma?

[Furtherman]

no shit, but the premise sucked just like this scenario and thread

what next, you gonna throw momma?

Then why participate?




Nya Nya Nya

[ozzie]

I don't see how Pooty Tang could help you.

See, my damie, Pootie Tang don't wa-da-tah to the shama cow... 'cause thats a cama cama leepa-chaiii, dig?

Scientifically disprove THAT!

[Judge Smails]

Hoo-Hoo. I invented moral dilemma threads. Tell 'em Fred. (http://www.ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49359&highlight=aliens+sure)

[HBox]

plus what if it was transporting important medical supplies. now you derailed it and a whole village of african children is gonna die of malaria.

Or what if it was carrying guns for African warlords? By diverting it you have saved countless lives.

[spoon]

Or what if it was carrying guns for African warlords? By diverting it you have saved countless lives.

what if it had BOTH!

[Tenbatsuzen]

Or what if it was carrying guns for African warlords? By diverting it you have saved countless lives.

What if the warlords had malaria?

[spoon]

Then why participate?




Nya Nya Nya

Oh yes, the others are taking this shit sandwich pretty serious too.

[Furtherman]

What if it was carrying shit sandwiches? To derail it would be a stinky disaster!

[spoon]

What if it was carrying shit sandwiches? To derail it would be a stinky disaster!

I do wipe with print outs of this thread.

[Tenbatsuzen]

What if it was carrying shit sandwiches? To derail it would be a stinky disaster!

What if you had to smell the glove?

[hanso]

I have wondered about something like this. If you accidently kill one person. But intentionally save some other persons life. How would this play out karmically or in god's judgement?

[spoon]

both imaginary things would not be impacted in any way

[Melk]

Because it makes you question your judgements?
No. Because it assumes I wouldn't switch the train to kill the five. My only dilemma would be worries about legal culpability.

[A.J.]

what next, you gonna throw momma?

Louie Armstrong was trying to kill me!

[deliciousV]

you have to save the 5, once you have the knowledge you are responsible for the outcome, by not doing something, you are doing something. That whole thing about "they would have died anyway" is a smokescreen. If you have the knowledge and do nothing you have killed the 5 , as if you had thrown a switch.

[Snoogans]

you have to save the 5, once you have the knowledge you are responsible for the outcome, by not doing something, you are doing something. That whole thing about "they would have died anyway" is a smokescreen. If you have the knowledge and do nothing you have killed the 5 , as if you had thrown a switch.

na fucked that. i dont do anything cause those 5 people were dumb enough to walk on tracks you cant escape from if something came. so fuck them. STAY OFF THE TRACKS

[spoon]

i'm quite sure you would not only have time to react to said runaway train, but take pictures as it went by

the noise alone would make you aware, it's not like you'd be on some one lane bridge like Stand By ME

and if the vid does put it out there in that way, this is even worse than I thought


furtherman's next dilema

if my uncle jack was stuck on a roof, would you help my uncle jack off?

[Crash]

Of course you do. Not even a dilemma.

What if that one person was destined to do something great - like cure cancer? And the other five were fucking slackers that accomplish nothing in their (later) lives?

Sometimes it's not about numbers, its about potential. An infinite number of random "decisions" like this happen every second. And in the absence of information needed to change history for the better, you might as well just let the universe make the call.

Fuck it.

[PapaBear]

What if that one person was destined to do something great - like cure cancer? And the other five were fucking slackers that accomplish nothing in their (later) lives?

Sometimes it's not about numbers, its about potential. An infinite number of random "decisions" like this happen every second. And in the absence of information needed to change history for the better, you might as well just let the universe make the call.

Fuck it.
What if the one person was going to kill five cancer researchers?

[spoon]

someone should kill this thread and save us all

[PapaBear]

someone should kill this thread and save us all
What if killing this thread saved five hanso threads?

[Recyclerz]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-IgPIveQui4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[sailor]

What if that one person was destined to do something great - like cure cancer? And the other five were fucking slackers that accomplish nothing in their (later) lives?

Sometimes it's not about numbers, its about potential. An infinite number of random "decisions" like this happen every second. And in the absence of information needed to change history for the better, you might as well just let the universe make the call.

Fuck it.

Using that logic you'd never do anything.

[King Imp]

Anyone dumb enough to even think that was a good idea to attempt deserves to die anyway, so I'd kill the 5. Better to get rid of more stupid people than less and prevent any possible idiot breeding.

[Furtherman]

I have wondered about something like this. If you accidently kill one person. But intentionally save some other persons life. How would this play out karmically or in god's judgement?

The only real consequence would be how YOU feel. How you could live with the decision you made.

[spoon]

What if killing this thread saved five hanso threads?

at least the hanso threads need one of those cool decoders!

[Crash]

Using that logic you'd never do anything.

EXACTLY!

THANK YOU!

Finally someone on this board understands.

I'll be in the NFL thread if anyone needs me.