Question

Most people find it morally permissible to sacrifice one life to save five lives, if the action involves pulling a switch. However, most people find it morally impermissible to sacrifice one life for five lives if the action involves pushing a man from a bridge. Why?Select one:A. An electromechanical device like a switch makes it more likely that the action will be effective. B. Pushing a man off a bridge evokes more negative emotional responses. C. People are more likely to be injured if they attempt to push a man off the bridge. D. People have doubts as to whether or not pushing a man from a bridge really will save five lives.

Answer 1

Answer:

Most people find it morally impermissible to sacrifice one life for five lives if the action involves pushing a man from a bridge because:

B. Pushing a man off a bridge evokes more negative emotional responses.

Explanation: Physically pushing someone evokes more negative emotional responses than using a secondary source because it gives the “pusher” direct responsibility for the deaths (as opposed to just a switch).