A Moral Dilemma

[Zekurom]

More like a trilemma, but here goes.

I can't actually claim credit for this question - I first read it in a book called the Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock. It's a fantastic book - although all it has are questions, they are questions that will try your very mind and soul.

I won't analyze the question itself here, but here goes:

Given the choice to prevent just one of the following, which would you prevent: an earthquake that kills 40,000 people in Brazil, a shootout that kills 200 children at your local elementary school, or an accident that kills your loved one? (Or the person you hold dearest, if you don't really love anyone in that way.)

The question may have been paraphrased a bit, because I don't remember the exact wording of the questions, having lost the book a few years ago.

Answer the question and discuss.

 

[$aturn¥oshi]

Number 3. I'm not one for caring about complete strangers, young or old.

 

[Ghost]

Number one - I dislike the idea of mass suffering, so I'd work to prevent that.

 

[Mijumaru]

I would have made this poll multiple choice, but I would choose number 2. Children, after all, deserved to be educated more. Of course, I would also choose number 3, but I don't even have a loved life yet. For number 1, you can just donate money to a charity and everyone will be able to survive.

If it was multiple choice, I would choose all three, but for the most, I would choose number 2. After all, children haven't fully developed. Maybe when I get married, then I'll have some feelings for number 3.

This thread is beginning to make me feel depressed...

 

[Melty]

Number 3, easy. I care far more for my ma than I do for 40,200 random strangers.

 

[Rakarei]

Number 3. I know it's selfish, but that's what I would do.

 

[Zekurom]

I would have made this poll multiple choice, but I would choose number 2.

Defeats the purpose. You're only allowed to prevent one of them.

For number 1, you can just donate money to a charity and everyone will be able to survive.

No, the earthquake kills them on the spot. They will die unless you choose to prevent it. There are no workarounds, and it defeats the purpose of the question to try and create them.

 

[Mijumaru]

No, the earthquake kills them on the spot. They will die unless you choose to prevent it. There are no workarounds, and it defeats the purpose of the question to try and create them.

Well, sometimes people can predict earthquakes beforehand, and people could travel to a completely different location.

 

[Zekurom]

Well, sometimes people can predict earthquakes beforehand, and people could travel to a completely different location.

It's a hypothetical situation where the earthquake is not predicted... >_>

This question would most probably not happen in real life.

 

[DCM]

number 3. i would rather save someone i know than random strangers. selfish, i know.

 

[DerMißingno]

Number One - I hate the idea of mass suffrage, so I'd prevent that.

Hahahahahaaaaaaaaa! I'm sigging this.

 

[CuboneKing]

Number two. Hate to see locals suffer.

 

[PlatinumDude]

Going with the third option. I care about my loved ones.

 

[The Outrage]

Can't I be fair and save no one?

I would have made this poll multiple choice, but I would choose number 2. Children, after all, deserved to be educated more. Of course, I would also choose number 3, but I don't even have a loved life yet. For number 1, you can just donate money to a charity and everyone will be able to survive.

Lack of funds isn't the reason people will die of an Earthquake, and I'd imagine that there are a lot more schools and a lot more children being deprived of an education due to the first outcome. Besides, the first scenario entails that 40,000 people will die.

Considering that each choice is trying to make the situation closer to home, its too bad there wasn't a fourth "Prevent your own murder" option. I found it no surprise that those with a loved one chose to save them, it would be fun to see if they choose to save themselves.

 

[Mijzelffan]

I guess I'll stop the first one. Let's hope I'll never have to make a choice like that though.

 

[Aladar]

Let's all hope we're never forced to make such kind of a choice.

But I'd go with 3. I know it's selfish but that's my choice.

 

[Kamex]

I don't think I could stand the pressure if I had to make such a decision in real life.

But I would choose number 3. It may be selfish, but I really care about my loved ones.

 

[KronosClownz]

I rather live with the grief of my family being dead then knowing I killed thousand's.

 

[Kavidun]

I would choose between Loved One and Brazil. Roll a dice, odd for Loved One, even for Brazil. I wouldn't care about my school 'coz half of them are utter s***bags.

 

[Morru]

i chose the third option..don't judge me..