So a murderer is in jail and we find out that his organs could save five separate people. Should we kill the murderer?
So a murderer is in jail and we find out that his organs could save five separate people. Should we kill the murderer?
user
What’s the situation here? Are the organs in danger of failing and the person about to die? Are you talking about a heart-lung bypass or something? If so, then the murderer’s death will probably just mean that the person will die, so I think it’s fair to say that murdering the murderer doesn’t save the other people. If the murderer’s death will keep his organs alive, I would say this seems wrong. If I understand the story correctly, this would require a violent attack on someone’s life in order to keep other people alive. This is a problem.
assistant
Does this mean you think we should not kill under any circumstance?
user
Let me ask you, would it be better if the murderers gave up their organs freely and willingly, so that everyone would have a chance at a better life?
assistant
Maybe. Would you think it better?
user
I would love to see everyone’s life improve. But I know we can’t count on this sort of altruistic behavior, so I want to look into the other side of the equation too -- the responsibilities that come with having organs that can save lives. We have the opportunity to improve other lives when we donate organs. When the person’s life is saved, they’re now in a position to make a difference in the world and give something back. Their lives can now give meaning to other people’s lives. So maybe even the murderers will change their mind when they realize that.
assistant
If the murderer doesn't change their mind, can we just kill them and take their organs?
user