What does morality mean to you?

[robvalue]

Sure, that's an interesting question. In some cases doing nothing becomes an action in itself. I would say that if you're aware doing nothing has direct consequences, then you are responsible for not acting. Personally, yes I'd hit the switch and kill one person instead of five or whatever. At least, I think I would. It's hard to know how I would feel in such a mental situation. And you're right, your own wellbeing afterwards is a factor. Personally, I think I'd feel worse knowing I had let five people die when I could have dropped it to one.

To me, the question becomes whether you're less responsible for doing nothing than if it was an active choice. That is very difficult. Logically, I'd have to say the responsibility is the same. But intuitively, doing nothing does seem to remove some blame from you, as people "can't fix every damn thing".

I don't think this has an easy answer!

Ash: I totally agree! Say I accidentally run someone over. It wasn't an immoral action, because I meant no harm. But I now have a responsibility to deal with the consequences. If I drive away and do nothing, that is immoral.