An Unlikely Moral Dilemma

[petite_lambda]

A question. Suppose you must choose between the following horrible evils:

1)      Become mentally retarded.
2)      Become a psychopath.

By “retarded” I mean a very severe level of cognitive impairment (think adult diapers); by “psychopath” I mean that you lose all sense of empathy, interest in the wellness of others, and moral values, but you keep

Comments

[hypnagogie]

Ditto, psychopath. So much of my identity is wrapped up in being intelligent that being psychotic allows me to keep more of that identity than being retarded would.

[petite_lambda]

Oh, that one is certain for everyone! (1) means losing your identity completely, and (2) only an important part of it. I just thought the decision (for other people) would be based on the effect this will have on their loved ones -- it would be better for them to lose you rather than have you become a manipulative monster who ruins their life. But maybe not... (going to ask Danny which he would prefer)

[hypnagogie]

It probably would be better for them, but I am more selfish than that. :)

[petite_lambda]

I'm at peace now after it turned out that D. would prefer my choice for me, too, so I guess I can stop calling it selfish :-)

[leosapiens]

I can't honestly say what's better for my loved ones, to be murdered with an axe, or to spend the rest of their lives caring after severely retarded me. Both suck like hell.

And as for moral dilemmas, I mainly choose to actively disregard such questions. Choosing from two evils before they arise seems like mental masochism to me.

[petite_lambda]

I can't honestly say what's better for my loved ones, to be murdered with an axe, or to spend the rest of their lives caring after severely retarded me.

I didn't imagine it like this. For (1), I was thinking they'd just put me in some nursing home and try to forget about me, as if I were dead (that, imho, is the reasonable thing to do). So the only thing it would cost them is money (and losing me, of course). And for the second option I was imagining more of a manipulative bitch who takes advantage of everyone, cons them, etc. "Psychopath" is not the same as homicidal maniac. They're not crazy; they just disregard the feelings of others.

Choosing from two evils before they arise seems like mental masochism to me.

I agree! This was an exception because my answer surprised me. I can't explain to myself why am I being so selfish here. Btw., speaking of mental masochism -- I didn't hear this question somewhere, I thought of it myself! You know, just... occurred to me. That's masochism for you :-)

[leosapiens]

Oh. O.o

And why did your answer surprise you? That's healthy egoism, imo. If one has to choose between near brain death (same as death, in my eyes, rly) for self or some non-terminal suffering for others, it's the lesser of two evils.

Not to mention the first option has them suffering too. Guilt+constant money loss. So the second option is indeed better.

[petite_lambda]

You know what? You're right! Turns out that Danny thinks the same way, too, and he'd prefer it for me as well -- and meanwhile, so does everyone I asked!

So, okay, thanks to all of you, I am now convinced -- I shouldn't feel bad about this :-) Thanks!