Single Idea 6699

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility]

Full Idea

From a utilitarian point of view, the error of Archduke Ferdinand's driver (he turned up a cul-de-sac) was the worst in history, ...but the chain of consequences may not be the same as the chain of responsibility.

Gist of Idea

The chain of consequences may not be the same as the chain of responsibility

Source

Gordon Graham (Eight Theories of Ethics [2004], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Graham,Gordon: 'Eight Theories of Ethics' [Routledge 2004], p.140


A Reaction

Can you cause something, and yet not be responsible for it? The driver was presumably fully conscious, rational and deliberate. He must share the responsibility for catastrophe, just as he shares in the causing of all the consequences.