Suppose atomic bombs had reduced the population of the world to one brother and one sister, should they let the human race die out? I do not know the answer, but I do not think it can be in the affirmative merely on the ground that incest is wicked.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell raises a hypothetical about a post‑apocalyptic couple deciding whether to let humanity die, noting incest may not be a sufficient moral reason to end the species.
- In plain terms
- Incest alone may not justify ending humanity.
- What can you take from it?
- Moral decisions about survival involve more than a single taboo.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What criteria should guide decisions about humanity's continuation?
- Can a single moral rule determine species survival?
Another view
The scenario is highly speculative and may not reflect real policy concerns.
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