An interesting philosophical/ethical question

K T Ong · 06-26-2002, 07:31 AM

I actually came across this elsewhere -- I'm not its originator.

Suppose a technologically superior race of aliens (I know, I know, we're not sure yet if aliens exist, but just suppose, okay?) came to earth with a view to taking over. Suppose, furthermore, that they gave us this offer -- they would make life perfectly painless and comfortable (physically, at least) for every last living human on earth at present, and allow us to complete our natural term of life, except that they would also make us all sterile (again without the slightest pain), so that in at most a couple of generations the human race would simply become totally extinct. Then -- and only then -- would they take over this planet. If we don't accept this deal, then it's going to be war.

What would you choose? War -- to defend the human race? Or a perfectly painless and comfortable life for everyone -- and extinction?

[ 06-26-2002, 07:35 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]

Jerome · 06-26-2002, 07:32 AM

I would fight, but it's a moot point.

06-26-2002, 07:33 AM

i wouldn't make the decision. would put it to global vote

Lioness · 06-26-2002, 07:34 AM

*shrugs* There's no point in getting a few more years if you're going to be wiped out eventually anyway. I'd defend, better to have the slimmest chance at survival than none at all.

06-26-2002, 07:36 AM

my own vote would be to fight, however

K T Ong · 06-26-2002, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lioness:
*shrugs* There's no point in getting a few more years if you're going to be wiped out eventually anyway. I'd defend, better to have the slimmest chance at survival than none at all.

Since you're going to be wiped out anyway, why not choose to make it as painless as possible for everyone? (Just playing 'Devil's Advocate' here. [img]smile.gif[/img] )

Arnabas · 06-26-2002, 07:43 AM

I would fight. No question.

K T Ong · 06-26-2002, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lord Shield:
i wouldn't make the decision. would put it to global vote

Fair enough, but what would be your vote?

Dundee Slaytern · 06-26-2002, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by K T Ong:
Since you're going to be wiped out anyway, why not choose to make it as painless as possible for everyone? (Just playing 'Devil's Advocate' here. [img]smile.gif[/img] )

I would rather die a free man, than live in humilation.

06-26-2002, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by K T Ong:

quote:
Originally posted by Lord Shield:
i wouldn't make the decision. would put it to global vote

Fair enough, but what would be your vote?[/QUOTE]i already posted it - DOH!

06-26-2002, 07:31 AM	#1
K T Ong Symbol of Cyric Join Date: January 27, 2002 Location: Plateau of Singapore Age: 60 Posts: 1,230	I actually came across this elsewhere -- I'm not its originator. Suppose a technologically superior race of aliens (I know, I know, we're not sure yet if aliens exist, but just suppose, okay?) came to earth with a view to taking over. Suppose, furthermore, that they gave us this offer -- they would make life perfectly painless and comfortable (physically, at least) for every last living human on earth at present, and allow us to complete our natural term of life, except that they would also make us all sterile (again without the slightest pain), so that in at most a couple of generations the human race would simply become totally extinct. Then -- and only then -- would they take over this planet. If we don't accept this deal, then it's going to be war. What would you choose? War -- to defend the human race? Or a perfectly painless and comfortable life for everyone -- and extinction? [ 06-26-2002, 07:35 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ] __________________ <br />Look! Everyone\'s admiring me! <img border=\"0\" title=\"\" alt=\"[Big Grin]\" src=\"biggrin.gif\" />

06-26-2002, 07:32 AM	#2
Jerome Knight of the Rose Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Scotland Age: 38 Posts: 4,418	I would fight, but it's a moot point. __________________ Psychos do not explode when hit by sunlight, no matter how crazy they are!

06-26-2002, 07:34 AM	#4
Lioness Jack Burton Join Date: June 3, 2001 Location: Among the Stars Age: 36 Posts: 5,837	shrugs There's no point in getting a few more years if you're going to be wiped out eventually anyway. I'd defend, better to have the slimmest chance at survival than none at all. __________________ [img]\"ubb/noncgi/smiles/lioness1.jpg\" alt=\" - \" /> <br /><br />Premier Waitress/Smacker of Cloudy\'s Cafe<br /><br />\"the only people for me are the mad ones...\"

06-26-2002, 07:43 AM	#7
Arnabas Baaz Draconian Join Date: October 11, 2001 Location: Montreal,Quebec,Canada Age: 53 Posts: 721	I would fight. No question. __________________ Est Sularis oth Mithas

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06-26-2002, 07:33 AM	#3
Lord Shield Guest Posts: n/a	i wouldn't make the decision. would put it to global vote

06-26-2002, 07:36 AM	#5
Lord Shield Guest Posts: n/a	my own vote would be to fight, however

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