more from Jonathan Glover

Single Idea 4649

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 1. Causing Death]

Full Idea

I am arguing that, if someone's life is worth living, this is one reason why it is directly wrong to kill him.

Gist of Idea

If someone's life is 'worth living', that gives one direct reason not to kill him

Source

Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §3.7)

Book Reference

Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.53


A Reaction

This is an attempt to find a modern utilitarian criterion of value. A problem case would be someone for whom only sadism made their life worth living.