[dartos]

Where did the kittens come from?

If they were spawned into existence for this thought experiment, then the human, probably.

But if even one of those kittens were mine, entire cities could be leveled before I let anyone hurt my kitten.

[some_random]

This brings up an interesting point, our view of morality is heavily skewed. If you made me choose between something bad happening to my partner or 10 random people, I would save my partner every time and I expect every normal person in the world to choose the same.

[dartos]

Well humans aren’t perfectly rational.

I wouldn’t think it moral to save my kitten over a random non-evil person, but I’d still do it.

[Iulioh]

It is a rational choice tho.

It wouldn't just hurt your partner, it would hurt you.

We know that following a "objective morality" the 10 people would be a better choice but it would hurt (indirectly) you.

[dartos]

You’re right. Maybe rational was the wrong word.

Humans aren’t perfectly objective.

[GJim]

> entire cities could be leveled before I let anyone hurt my kitten

Allowing that kitten to live will cause untold suffering for other small mammals.

You have the power to stop that suffering!

[hansvm]

Also, where did the human come from? Are they already on their deathbed, prolonged in this thought experiment for only a few fleeting moments? Were they themselves a murderer?

[dartos]

None of that matters if my kitten is in danger!