Full Idea
That which can only be done by a callous person, ought not to be done.
Gist of Idea
That which can only be done by a callous person, ought not to be done
Source
Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.86)
Book Reference
Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.86
A Reaction
The problem cases all arise in wartime. Ideally we want to show sympathy even when being necessarily ruthless, but in practice we send the callous ones to do the horrible deed.