Question

Which of the following statements expresses a utilitarian approach to this dilemma?

1) The decision should be made in light of consequences.
2) The client's autonomy and independence are the priority considerations.
3) Benefits and burdens should be evenly distributed between the children and the client.
4) The client has a right to self-determination.

Answer 1

The utilitarian approach dictates that the option "The decision should be made in light of consequences" best aligns with this ethical perspective, as it prioritizes actions that generate the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The utilitarian approach is characterized by a focus on the consequences of actions, aiming to maximize the overall happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people affected. Therefore, of the given options, the statement expressing a utilitarian approach to the dilemma is "The decision should be made in light of consequences." This reflects the fundamental utilitarian principle that an action's moral rightness depends on its ability to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Utilitarianism, developed further by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, holds that the ethical value of an action is determined by its outcomes, not by the nature of the action itself. In practice, utilitarians would consider the happiness brought to the patient, the family, and society versus the costs and potential for other benefits, such as in medical resource allocation.

In conclusion, to align with utilitarianism, the decision-maker is required to analyze and choose the course of action that yields the greatest good, expressed as happiness or pleasure, for all individuals affected by the decision.