Action vs. Omission: Part Three and a half.

However, I think I've skirted and danced around the issue for long enough now.

Action vs. Omission? Morality? Why they are linked, why they are not linked.

It would be hard for me to argue the idea that they are both intrinsically linked. Such a feat would be one to be proud of, but one that would require enormous efforts and intellectual rigor. However, there is no denying that there is a potential for a link between both fields - almost like a Venn Diagram's intersection, exactly like a Venn Diagram's intersection in fact.

So consider this. That the action, or withholding of action in certain circumstances, can provide a breeding ground for moral consequences. Of course, not all actions have any moral significance. Opening a mailbox, not crying at your mother's funeral, choosing to rest your right leg on your left - all examples of actions that are all beyond the describable realms of morality, all amoral acts.

But let's take a famous example of action vs. omission.

Jane is standing at a railway switch (it's her job) as an oncoming train rapidly approaches from the left. Just beyond her is a fork in the track. Five innocent children, unaware of the train, are standing on the left fork. One innocent man is performing construction on the right fork, which was meant to be closed off for him to perform his duty. If Jane does nothing, the train will veer to the left and kill the five people. If she throws the switch, the train will veer to the right and kill the man.

So.

Action: Kill the man.

Omission: Kill the kids.

I need to get ready now, so I'll finish this off later. But have a think readers. What would you do in Jane's shoes?

But you know, it's Christmas and everything, so have a Merry one :).