Which of the Following Would Count as an Objection to McMahan's

question 336

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would count as an objection to McMahan's claim that it would be wrong for you to kill the "Implacable Pursuer"?

• A) Because we don't know how the Implacable Pursuer ended up in a situation where the villain chose to kidnap her instead of someone else, we can't be sure that she really is innocent in this case. She might have some degree of moral responsibility for her situation. Therefore, it is permissible to kill her.
• B) An "innocent threat" is someone who threatens your life through no fault of your own. The Implacable Pursuer is therefore an innocent threat. The right to self-defense entails that it is permissible to use force, even deadly force, against an innocent threat when there is no other way for you to save your life. Therefore, it is permissible to kill the Implacable Pursuer if there is no other way to save your own life.
• C) If you were to use force against the Implacable Pursuer, she would be justified in trying to kill you, since she has done nothing to make her liable to attack. Therefore, you are permitted to kill the Implacable Pursuer to prevent her from using force against you.
• D) A person is morally responsible for her actions only if she could have done otherwise. Because the villain implanted a device in the Implacable Pursuer's brain, she is unable to do anything other than try to kill you. Therefore, she is not morally responsible for her actions.

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Definitions:

You-viewpoint

A perspective in communication that focuses on addressing the needs, interests, and concerns of the audience.

Unethical Goals

Objectives that are morally wrong or in violation of accepted principles of right and wrong.

Honest

Characterized by truthfulness and integrity in one’s actions and statements.

Blame

Attributing responsibility for a fault or wrong.