The Greater Good

[Liquid Blue]

Bad things happen to good people all the time. Sometimes bad things happen to a few, to save or prevent harm coming to a larger amount of people.

My question to you is- Do you believe that actions done for the greater good/ with the greater good in mind (no matter how bad) are acceptable if they mean a smaller number of people have to die?

[un.]

quite an dilemma. It depends too much on the situation.
Can't really answer this one

[404 Not Found]

This sounds like a "24" question.

WWJBD - What would Jack Bauer Do?

[Fluffz]

no, lifes can not be measured in numbers. saving 2 lifes is not better than saving one - just like killing a crippled is not better than killing someone full functional.

just like killing 1 terrorist to protect your believes(sp) is not better than 1 terrorist killing 10 children to protect his. theoretically ... however, reality is never that clear and i doubt someone could blow himself up without some serious ammount of hate and egoism but than again i never did so i wouldnt know.

[Galleleo]

I thinkly it totally depends on the situation, and I could only say on a situation to situation basis.

[Superted]

I agree with un. While some people get by with strict morals (i.e., thou shall not steal, even if it's to save your dying son) there are alot more, including myself, that adapt to the situation. I think it would be better if you gave two examples that are similiar but most would give two different answers too.

[Ephemeral]

yes

[K2Grey]

Mu.

[Fit of Rage]

yes

..

[ZeUs!!]

Walt Cummings is a shithead

[geekbot]

Less people dying is better than more people dying.

Just ask Dr. Spock

EDIT: Wait is the question, few people dying for the general good of many (not necessarily to save their lives)?

[Sleuth]

John bauer would lace up his skates and play hockey.

[Twerp]

If you had to kill yourself to save two people, screw it.

If you had to kill yourself to save 100 people or the world, then that's good enough motivation to me (but I'd have to have some proof that they are in danger)

[Liquid Blue]

Less people dying is better than more people dying.

Just ask Dr. Spock

EDIT: Wait is the question, few people dying for the general good of many (not necessarily to save their lives)?

yes, a few people dying for the general good of many, aka saving their lives

[Jerome Scuggs]

NO