It's Not Black or White

In a world that's not black or white, what's wrong and what's right? Where do we draw the line? Do the ends truly justify the means? Is it acceptable to kill to save? Does that sound ironic to anyone else?

Deontology or Utilitarianism?

To give an example, would it be morally permissible to torture a person to get information that could save 10 lives? 100 lives? 1000 lives? Most people would hesitate as the number of people saved increases. However, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (More Information Here), torture is never acceptable, no matter what circumstances. Do we leave 1000 people to die in order to save 1?

Let us have weapons! Let us kill! After all, it's for the greater good.

I personally believe that the ends do not justify the means. The means are every bit as important as the ends. We cannot, and must not, as a society, allow ourselves to believe that only the ending counts. We will not pardon crimes simply because they act in favor of the greater good.

To spark some minds, think about this:

“The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end.”

-Leon Trotsky

As always, leave your thoughts.