[Buddha-l] Ethical Dilemmas

[Joy Vriens]

Bankei wrote


> You look around in an attempt to stop the train. There is nothing you can
> do, but there is a switch next to where you are walking which you could
> pull. This would divert the train onto another track, saving the 5 people.
> But at the last minute you see there is a man on the other truck and he
> would be unable to be warned in time. Therefore he would die if the switch
> was pulled.
>
> What would you do?
> A. Do nothing
> B. Flick the switch, killing one, but saving 5.
>
> A Utilitarian would flick the switch as this would produce the greatest
> good. What would a Buddhist do, or better what would the Buddha have done?
>
>
> You forgot to mention the man on the other track is the Buddha...
>

Joy