When the death of a disabled infant will lead to the birth…
“When the death of a disabled infant will lead to the birth of another infant with better prospects of a happy life, the total amount of happiness will be greater if the disabled infant is killed. The loss of happy life for the first infant is outweighed by the gain of happier life for the second. Therefore, if killing the hemophiliac infant has no adverse effect on others, it would, according to the total view, be right to kill him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A utilitarian argument that killing a disabled infant could be justified if it leads to greater overall happiness by replacing it with a healthier child.
In simple terms: Killing may be justified if it increases total happiness.
Key Takeaway
Consider overall consequences, not just individual rights.
Themes
ethics
utilitarianism
life
value
consequentialism
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- medical decisions
- policy debates
- bioethics discussions
- parental choices
Key Concepts
total happiness
moral calculus
disability
life‑value
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever morally permissible to sacrifice one life for another?
- How do we measure happiness across lives?
A Different Perspective
Ignores individual rights and the intrinsic value of each life.