by Joseph Grcic

Humanities/Philosophy

During the Bosnian War, Serbs occupy a village. During the occupation, they lose several soldiers who are killed by sniper fire. In retaliation for these killings, they decide to punish the town by taking two young children hostage and announcing that they are going to execute them.

You see what is about to happen, and talk to the Serbian officer in charge, trying to get him not to kill the children. He tells you that if you will kill one of the children, he will let the other one go free.

Questions:

What do you do?

What information would you need to have to make the decision?

Would Kant or Mill allow you to kill one of the children?