Is there something that utilitarianism misses in calculation

Reference no: EM133640565

Assignment

Now that you have quite a bit of knowledge on Utilitarianism, I would like for you to consider the problems with the theory. In this discussion board forum, you will watch the Ferry Scene from the Dark Knight and then discuss the issue of killing and letting someone die. Many thought experiments for Utilitarianism present this issue and I will try to illuminate the difference between killing and letting die.

Scenario I:

A doctor has exactly five doses of a medicine but has six patients. One patient is so sick she requires all five doses. The other five would all require just one dose.

In this scenario the doctor would be saving five lives, while letting one die. This of course would satisfy the utilitarian principle of the greater good. While it is unfortunate that one dies, the intent of the doctor is to save as many as possible and in the scenario, she is doing. Let's assume that we know nothing of the character traits of any of the individuals saved or any misdeeds they may be guilty of.

Scenario II:

A doctor has five patients in need of various organs to live. The doctor knows that down the hall there is a very healthy intern who could supply all the organs needed for the patients to live.

This too seems to be a case in which sacrificing the intern would satisfy the ideal of the greater good for the greatest number, but certainly would be killing.

A. Is this killing or letting die?

B. Would this be okay for to blow up the ferry of criminals given that we do know that they are not flawless?

C. If you were on the boat would you blow up the other boat? Why or why not?

D. Is there something that Utilitarianism misses in the calculation of the greater good?

Reference no: EM133640565

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