philosophy assignments

The Axe-Murderer Discussion (Discussion 8)

Purpose:

The purpose of this discussion is for you to think critically about ethical questions and why you think the way that you do and for you to argue for them. It is easy to say what you think, but it is hard to back it up in a debate. This is an extreme case, but working with it makes every-day cases easier. Most people have general policies about certain kinds of actions, cases like the one below are made to push the line and the intuition about these cases.


The Case:

Your roommate is in the shower after having a late night with a recently gained boy/girlfriend, who had gone through a recent bad break-up. You hear a knock on the door and go to answer it. You find the ex standing at the door with an axe, murder in his/ her eyes. The ex asks you “Where is [insert roommate name]?” Neither of you can hear the shower running. You know that if you tell the ex, then they will rush right through you/knock you out/ whatever and get to the roommate killing them. Do you tell the ex that he/she is in the shower? Do you lie? (We will count lying by omission.)
 
 I have noticed that people are often confused about the relationships in this case, so, to clarify, the axe-murderer is the former romantic partner of your roommate's new partner.

Tasks:

1. For your initial post, you need to: 1. Think carefully about the above case and then explain

whether you think you should lie to the axe-murderer or say where your roommate is. In order to properly deal

with the case, think about it as a case where not replying is not an option. And also, whatever your roommate did with the newly acquired SO was consensual.


2. Say why you think that. As always with these cases, you should not say merely that this is how you feel, but rather explain why you have that feeling. 


3. Say how you think another student may reply to your stance.

2. Reply to 2 other students in this class who have opposing views to you or take on the role as the devil's advocate and object to them. And, if possible, avoid replying in the way that they thought someone might reply.

To Succeed:

1. Make sure you are clear about your stance, that you do not devolve into name-calling and uncivil behavior.