also: いっせつたしょう
expression
killing one to save many is justified
A yojijukugo expressing the moral principle that sacrificing one person is acceptable if it saves many others. Used in ethical or philosophical contexts.
一殺多生という考え方は、功利主義の議論でよく取り上げられる。
The idea of 'killing one to save many' is often discussed in utilitarian debates.
Standard kanji spelling for this yojijukugo.
Alternate reading; less common.
A yojijukugo composed of 一 (one), 殺 (kill), 多 (many), and 生 (life/save). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a classical Chinese-derived ethical maxim.