Speed limits, human lives, and convenience: a reply to Ridge

Article Abstract:

Michael Ridge argues that a morally significant difference exists between the theses that it is allowable to kill a guiltless person to avoid headaches and that people are not morally obligated to enforce a national speed limit. This difference can be seen in the uncertainty in the deaths that could result from each thesis. However, most people who embrace the second thesis do not base this acceptance on the idea that speed limits cannot be lowered without losing innocent lives. The analogy between the two theses does not prove that a moral difference exists between them.

Ethics

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How to avoid being driven to consequentialism: a comment on Norcross

Article Abstract:

Alastair Norcross argues that consequentialists should accept the thesis that killing a guiltless person to avoid headaches should be allowed. Norcross then contends that in accepting this thesis, consequentialists have to believe that it is morally incongruent with the thesis that people are not morally obligated to enforce national speed limits. He then concludes that no such difference occurs between the two theses. However, a difference does exist and it can be found in the degree of uncertainty about the deaths that could result from each thesis.

Criticism and interpretation, Philosophy, Norcross, Alastair

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Comparing harms: headaches and human lives

Article Abstract:

The dilemma experienced by consequentialists when faced with the 'life for headaches' claim is analyzed. The 'life for headaches' claim refers to a hypothetical situation wherein the death of one innocent person would eliminate the headaches felt by a large number of people. It is argued that consequentialists cannot claim that one person's death is worse than the suffering of many.

Transcript

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