Acting Quote by Derek Parfit
“It is not enough to ask, 'Will my act harm other people?' Even if the answer is No, my act may still be wrong, because of its effects on other people. I should ask, 'Will my act be one of a set of acts that will together harm other people?' The answer may be Yes. And the harm to others may be great. If this is so, I may be acting very wrongly, like the Harmless Torturers.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit, 1984
Moral actions must consider collective harm, not just individual intent, because combined effects can be severe.
In simple terms: Consider overall impact, not just personal intent.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate broader consequences.
Themes
ethics
consequentialism
collective responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- environmental regulation
- business ethics
- public health decisions
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
harm principle
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess collective harm?
- Can intentions outweigh outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Hard to predict all indirect effects.
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