Here is a variation on a scenario that is a favorite of manyethics professors. There is a lifeboat that can hold three people;however, there are four survivors who have managed to climb in. Oneis an overweight 13 year old. One is an artist who works as awaitress part time to supplement her income because she cannot makeenough from her art work. She has no children or spouse. One is a65 year old doctor, who may be on the verge of curing cancer. Thefinal person is the captain of the boat hat sank. He has survivaltraining and is the sole support of his two children. Usingutilitarian ethics decide who gets thrown off the lifeboat.Remember when supporting your positions, you will be looking at thebenefits and harms of the action as well as their degree andlikelihood.
