Full Idea
We have an intuition that there is a morally relevant distinction between what we do and what we allow to happen.
Gist of Idea
We see a moral distinction between doing and allowing to happen
Source
Philippa Foot (Morality, Action, and Outcome [1985], p.88)
Book Reference
Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.88
A Reaction
She says many deny this distinction, but she defends it. Presumably consequentialists deny the distinction. What is bad if I do it, but OK if I allow it to happen? Neglecting a victim to save others, she suggests.
Related Ideas
Idea 22466 We see a moral distinction between our aims and their foreseen consequences [Foot]
Idea 22467 Acts and omissions only matter if they concern doing something versus allowing it [Foot]