Discussion
Which one of the following judgments most closely conforms to the principle cited above?
*This question is included in Practice Set: "Illustrating/Identifying Principles" Questions, Set 1 - Illustrating, question #2
| (A) | Pamela wrote a letter attempting to cause trouble between Edward and his friend; this action of Pamela's was morally bad, even though the letter, in fact, had an effect directly opposite from the one intended. |
| (B) | ... |
| (C) | ... |
| (D) | ... |
| (E) | ... |
| (F) | ... |
The solution is
Posted: 12/01/2011 09:31
I got the answer correct but why is the first one wrong? Is it because Pamela's actions didn't cause the harm she intended?
Posted: 12/01/2011 14:54
Let's diagram:
Good → Benefits another + Perf w/ that intention
Bad → Harms another + (Harm Intended -OR- Forethought would've...)
Now let's look at why (A) is wrong:
Pamela's letter was written with the intent of harming Ed and his friend.
But it had the opposite effect. So it didn't harm Edward or his buddy.
Since one of the necessary criteria for an action to be morally bad is that it DOES harm another, this action is not morally bad.
Good → Benefits another + Perf w/ that intention
Bad → Harms another + (Harm Intended -OR- Forethought would've...)
Now let's look at why (A) is wrong:
Pamela's letter was written with the intent of harming Ed and his friend.
But it had the opposite effect. So it didn't harm Edward or his buddy.
Since one of the necessary criteria for an action to be morally bad is that it DOES harm another, this action is not morally bad.