Hi Matthew,

I acknowledge the force of your point regarding intuitions but would add that if one finds something morally repugnant then such an intuition needs to be taken seriously. Consequentialism famously has little room for integrity because as an ethical system it's aim is to render all values and goods calculable so that no moral dilemma is thereby beyond resolution however intractable. But perhaps a moral or virtuous individual in the mother's position might feel that there are lengths to which she could not go to secure her childrens' safety in the face of such blackmail and to do so would in any case be to play into the hands of the sadistic jailor. (After all, he may well not stick to his word.) As I said earlier, I believe - against the consequentialist - that there can be no right answer in such a situation. And I find an ethical 'system' that seems to offer this assurance in all circumstances somewhat suspect.

Regards, Romney

(As I do not have pro-status this post may take some time to appear in the thread. Sorry.)