Why does utilitarianism seem to suggest that the engineer should help Volkswagen cheat on emissions?
A) Utilitarianism tends to consider only direct, immediate negative impacts into its calculations.
B) Cheating would benefit the engineer's in-group, such as managers and coworkers.
C) In calculating what benefits the greatest good, the tally seems to lean slightly in favor of cheating.
D) Environmental impacts are generally not factored into a utilitarian calculation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism focuses on the outcome that provides the greatest good for the greatest number. If the calculation suggests that cheating on emissions would, in the short term or under certain considerations, benefit more people than it harms (e.g., by preserving jobs, company profits, etc.), then utilitarianism might suggest that cheating is the preferable action. This does not mean utilitarianism inherently supports unethical actions, but rather that its calculus is based on outcomes and benefits, which can sometimes lead to controversial conclusions.

Why Does Utilitarianism Seem to Suggest That the Engineer Should