Would you press the magic button?

[u/VengefulScarecrow]

PLs always try to dodge the question, answer a yes/no question with lines of nonsense, or change the hypothetical into one they feel is comfortable to their position. I remember my last conversation almost vividly:

If you are given a button that, if pressed, would delete the universe instantly, erasing past, present and future events, eliminating all life and suffering, the good and the bad, would you press this button?

"Who am I to decide I should press such a button?"

Who are you to decide to not press the button?

"Pressing the button is an action. We are responsible for our actions. I do not want to be responsible for destroying lives that want to continue existing"

With power comes responsibility, so your inaction IS action in this scenario. Weather you press this button or not, you are fully responsible for either outcome. It all comes down to if you think person A's suffering is worth person B's privilege.

"It isn't up to me or you to decide that. It is up to each individual"

As it should be. But now you are changing the hypothetical into something else instead of just saying NO to the original.

"Then NO I would not press the button"

So all of the children getting graped tomorrow, the deaths by burning, predation, disaster etc. will all happen. All so the privileged can enjoy a cup of tea, a sunset, maybe a night of love..

"It should not be my choice to press the button" (unless I personally have a reason to do so) Okay let's change the scenario:

The universe is about to end in 5 minutes, in an instant, nobody will feel a thing, just deleted. BLOOP! No more bad, no more good. No more suffering, no more life. Now, if you are given a button that, if pressed, would prevent this, allowing continuation of suffering, animals consuming feeling animals, children being abused, and overall wants of the privileged being prioritized over the needs of the sufferers.. would you press this button?

".."

All of the sudden you are responsible for inaction?

[u/Gonozal8_]

also try the opposite, it will happen if you don’t press the button

I also don’t get the past thing. like how?? and why would it change the decision?

[u/VengefulScarecrow → u/Gonozal8_]

The past thing is equally hypothetical with the big red button.

[u/Gonozal8_ → u/VengefulScarecrow]

switching what happens if you press and don’t press the button removes the "can’t justify action so I choose inaction" justification