Push the button, let me know

[davywavy]

It's an old moral quandry. You are shown a button and told that if you press it, someone you've never met will die but you will recieve a million quid.
Originally an idea which made a short story, then a Twilight Zone episode and now the new film from Donnie Darko Director Richard Kelly, it's certainly an interesting question so I'll put it to you:

[Poll #1460349]

Comments

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

It would depend on how poor I was at the time. About three months ago, I'd totally have pressed it. New job plus payrise means that whilst I would like £1million, I feel more able to develop morals.

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

So what you're saying is that when people are poor they'll resort to extremes of behaviour to make good?

[caseytalk.livejournal.com]

I think this is the situation for me. I don't have to worry about feeding my children and all. I have enough money to be able to afford saying I wouldn't push the button. If my kids were going to die of starvation if I didn't get money somehow right now, it would be hard for me not to trade the stranger's life for that of my kids. I can't speak for all poor people, but I do think it's easier to accept 'thou shalt not steal' when you can feed your children without stealing.

[gnommi.livejournal.com]

I actually had this conversation with my mother today, for wierd reasons. Biologically this is generally the case: scanty resources make societies act worse and tolerate worse behaviour, in general. As far as I remember from my ethology lectures anyway. With better resource flow, you get better behaviour and punishment for offenders.