Hello Anonymous!
I am really sorry to hear that. You surely are in a moral mess! Unless there is a political loophole, it seems that you can either kick out five and save one or kick out one and save five. This is eerily similar to the train track theory, where instead of kicking people out of a shelter, a train is going to hit workers and you have the ability to change directions of the track. The most widely accepted response to predicaments like yours is the utilitarian way of kicking out one for the greater good of the whole. The reason you are struggling morally with your situation is the directness of your decision. It is likely that if your decision could be made using the click of a button, you would not hesitate to act and your moral conscious would be clear. Before reverting immediately to utilitarian ways, first consider consequentialist and categorical moral reasoning theories. Consequentialist moral reasoning, which is largely influenced by Jeremy Bentham, locates morality in the consequences of an act and is inspired by "the greatest good for the greatest number" (utilitarianism) . Categorical moral reasoning, which is largely influenced by Immanuel Kant, locates morality in certain duties and rights and would have to weigh all the options and outcomes (probably would not be able to decide) before making this decision.
I advise you to consider Kant’s categorical reasoning before making your decision. Afterwards, the best way to clear your moral conscious is to get consent from the guest(s) you decide to kick out. Although unlikely, another tactic like a consented lottery could turn an awkward situation into a completely fair one. Good luck!
13
MoralMesses
Dear Philosopher's,
"I am the manager at a women’s shelter, and a new law by the government is causing us a moral mess! Essentially, we are no longer allowed to accommodate five certain guests unless we either expand (which we can’t) or kick out a certain individual from the shelter. Each of the guests that may get kicked out will be going back to abusive environments with little money. The politics are set in stone. I can’t bring myself to kick anyone out, what should I do?" - Anonymous