Which of the following is an example of utilitarianism?
A) Throwing an elderly person from a life raft with too much weight to continue floating in order to save the lives of 15 others.
B) Denying hip replacement surgery to an 83-year-old patient because the facilities and physicians are needed for preserving the life of a 35-year-old scientist whose research focuses on a cure for Alzheimer's.
C) Neither a nor b
D) Both a and b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both scenarios A and B exemplify utilitarianism, which is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It suggests that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In both cases, the decisions are made to maximize overall happiness or benefit, even at the expense of certain individuals.

Which of the Following Is an Example of Utilitarianism