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Fall Term Essay Question Two:
"Do you think that the EDS pilot Barton did to Marilyn what he ought to have done - given the situation? Do you think that Narveson is able to morally justify his position with regard to what becomes of Marilyn using the principle of utility? What changes does Narveson make to Godwin's story "Cold Equations" to help convince you of the merits of his ethical position? Are they successful? What changes to Godwin's story would you make before you could reasonably argue that Marilyn's life should in fact be spared by the EDS pilot? Justify"
Seanna Thompson
Student ID: 5159298
PHIL 1F90
Seminar 20
Turnitin Paper ID: 365445620
The story, "The Cold Equations", written by Tom Godwin may cause one to question and examine the idea of human rights along with the exceptions that may follow. "The Cold Equations" takes place in a futuristic setting where an EDS pilot referred to as Barton is travelling through the galaxy.
Jan Narveson
Barton 2
Barton 3This mission is an attempt to bring life saving medical supplies to six ill men on time who will otherwise die a painful death. During this trip Barton becomes aware of another body on board the ship and upon further investigation he discovers it is a young teenage girl by the name of Marilyn. She was hiding in the supply closet in hopes of reaching her older brother who is on Woden; the same planet as the ill men. Unfortunately, the ship they are on only has enough fuel to carry just the weight of itself and the pilot to Woden and land safely. Therefore, it is law that any stowaway in an Emergency Dispatch Ship must be jettisoned in order to avoid compromising a mission. Any difference in weight such as...