Single Idea 3786

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / h. Good as benefit]

Full Idea

Forming the intention to use nuclear retaliation if attacked may both be the best way to avoid the catastrophe of nuclear war and at the same time be morally corrupting.

Gist of Idea

Aggression in defence may be beneficial but morally corrupting

Source

Jonathan Glover (Introductions to Utilitarianism and its Critics [1990], Pt Five)

Book Reference

'Utilitarianism and Its Critics', ed/tr. Glover,Jonathan [Macmillan 1990], p.154


A Reaction

A famous moment in 2017 when Jeremy Corbyn refused to say he would be willing to use the weapons, if elected. It would be hard to sustain a determination to do it, and then reject it at the crucial moment.