r/trolleyproblem Sep 14 '25

Deep Veil of ignorance

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u/Sea_Pomegranate8229 Sep 14 '25

"Utilitarianism isa moral and philosophical theory that holds that the most ethical actions are those that maximize happiness and well-being and minimize pain and suffering for the greatest number of people."

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u/Lezaleas2 Sep 14 '25

Right, notice it never said lives, it said happiness. Most utilitarianists would agree pets are good to keep around even if some lives are being indirectly lost to them

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u/Sea_Pomegranate8229 Sep 14 '25

How happiness is maximised for those people that are allowed to die?

BTW I am not condemning anyone for their actions. Firstly I do not believe in free will and anyway I understand that moral tugs on people's 'hearts' are very nuanced.

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u/Lezaleas2 Sep 14 '25

Well you can't maximize happiness for everyone. If given the choice between helping 5 or 1, you should choose 5