Applied ethics - SIMULATED KILLING

Question 1

define ‘simulated killing’

Answer 1

is about fictional death and murder, such as in video games and films.

Question 2

what are some variations of simulated killing that could be discussed/clairifed

Answer 2

• difference bteween watching a killing (eg in film) and playing the role of a killer (in a video game)
• the effects simulated killing on a persons character/if there is an effect at all?
• is simulated killing in itself wrong? (in the Uk, video games involving rape and peadophilia are illegal even though they are similuations, why doesn’t muder fall under this category too?)

Question 3

act utilitarian view on simulated killing

Answer 3

it is morally acceptable as the person watching or playing the game is experiencing happiness and no one suffers in order to produce this as it is jus a simulation.

Question 4

Kant on simulated killing?

Answer 4

Simulated killing can be universliased and does not violate the humanity formula, so its fine

Question 5

How might we link Kants remarks on animal cruelty to simulated killing?

Answer 5

Kant says we have a duty to ourselves to develop moraly which means cultivating feelings of compassion etc towards others. Simulated killing, like animal cruelty, may weaken such feelings so Kant could argue we have a duty not to engage in simulated killing.