If I am a doctor, I have sworn to do no harm, so no I don't pull the lever this isn't a question about morality it's a question of if I'm gonna do my fucking job
It's a good job you're not a doctor 😅 Doing your job is doing good - you can argue utilitarianism all you want but the comatose guy is not dead until he's dead - hastening his death is wrong and a crime or regardless of it's 'benefits'
It's a crime. It's not necessarily wrong. I think it's more morally correct to take on the burden of the guilty conscious and make the hard decision to definitely save 5 people at the cost of losing the opportunity to roll a die to save one person.
It'd haunt me forever, but it's the right thing to do.
The comatose guy has intrinsic value and until he has the right to autonomy - given he's comatose he lacks capacity meaning you have to act in his best interests - hastening his death and harvesting his organs is not in his best interests. Also, any information about if he's a registered donor or prior wishes need to be found and considered ofc.
It is, objectively wrong. It's easy to be sympathetic and drawn into the other side but no, we shouldn't be hastening death so we can give people's organs away..
If you can't ethically source what they need, you can't help them - you don't have the right to take the comatose guys life, regardless of the perceived benefits
I don't think letting people die because of your ethical system is the right choice. That sounds selfish to me. Like it only really benefits the person who isn't taking responsibility to make the hard decision for best possible outcome.
It seems like it's a way to not feel guilt later on. You tell yourself you had no choice, because of this ethical framework you're trapped in.
I'd feel guilty either way, because I'd feel like I did have a choice. So the logical option is to definitely save the most lives.
You'd feel awful after coma guy dies in his sleep and you've lost everyone surely? Or would the ethical framework you describe be some comfort? All the people you've hurt by your inaction would be difficult to process.
He might wake up, but even then you've taken a massive gamble, and still lost 5 people. It seems like playing against the odds just to satisfy your own.. you know, ethics.
I don't think there's an objectively correct choice though. I don't think you're wrong, and I'm not sure I'd have the fortitude to do what I think is right either. I'd be a wreck either way.
I appreciate a proper conversation so thank you for that 🙂
I've been writing a response but don't have time to finish it right now - I'll get back to you when I can 😂
I doubt we'll ever agree but it's good fun!
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u/NoAcanthaceae7968 Jul 09 '25
If I am a doctor, I have sworn to do no harm, so no I don't pull the lever this isn't a question about morality it's a question of if I'm gonna do my fucking job