Question

20. Suppose you had to decide which one of a dozen dying patients should receive a lifesaving drug, knowing that there was only enough of the medicine for one person. Would you feel comfortable making the decision as an act-utilitarian would? Why or why not?.

Answer 1

In such a situation, it would be ideal to make the decision after an indepth analysis of the medical condition of the all patients. Such decisions cannot be made randomly without any logic. It's important to consider the factors relating to the patient's survival. Would the drug work effectively in the patient's body? Who has the highest chance of survival? For whose medical condition is the drug more suitable? All of these questions need to be answered before making the decision. As an act-utilitarian, I would want to make a decision that is in the best interest of everyone. I would want my decision to produce the most effective outcome. After considering all the above, if I have the clarity required to make the best decision, then I would be comfortable making the decision. Otherwise, I would not make the decision without any reasoning.