Physical versus moral survival when encountering conflict

Individuals value physical survival over moral survival when encountering conflict.
When involved in a conflict, individuals will often have to choose from a myriad of decisions. There is a wide array of factors influencing one’s decision in a conflict. It is part of natural human behaviour to favour physical survival when threatened with danger. Additionally, in order to maintain power, people may forsake their values, casting a blanket over any truth that may compromise their power or influence. However, one’s moral values may take priority over physical integrity, endangering or sacrificing their lives in the name of their values.
Some individuals may value physical survival above all else. It is instinctive to protect one’s physical integrity when it is at risk. However, the decision to protect oneself may result in possible loss of life for others. Soldiers who choose to abandon their duties and desert their allies can possibly cause loss of life. Leaving their fellow soldiers in favour of self –preservation may result in a compromise in military operations and a subsequent loss of life. Individuals may also be willing to betray the trust of others to save themselves, despite the lack of any immediate threat. Ina hostile environment, people may find themselves compromising the mutual trust they share with others to guarantee personal safety. In prison environments, prison “snitches” betray the trust they share with their cellmates in favour of possible luxuries or reduced sentences. By prioritising a better chance of survival in a hostile environment , prison “snitches” may put cellmates through possible suffering. Additionally when faced with an immediate danger, people may immediately attempt to avoid physical strife at the cost of their ideals. Galileo chose to recant his scientific values when faced with torture from the Inquisition, as he was “afraid of physical pain.” The prevalence of a physical threat aroused fear in him, causing him