[David Sklansky]

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The fact that he has been told that the children's deaths are now "required" will have little impact on him. Nor should it.

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I disagree, it should have a big impact or at least its not the case that it shouldn't.

chez

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I suspected you would say this. This situation is a very good hypothetical that illustrates the crux of our disagreement about a lot of things. Maybe philosophers even have a name for the two positions we are taking here. But I think I can prove your position is untenable and I will try to do that in the near future in another thread.

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You should probably specify that the children are Israeli (or whatever) hostages. That is because not all of us would agree that the death of Osama's children would be "unfortunate," given what they are likely to become when they grow up. And that view avoids the moral dilemma you are trying to demonstrate.

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Thank you chez.