Question

Successful ethical discussion depends on people who have a clear sense of personal values. When many people share the same values it may be possible to identify a philosophy of utilitarianism, with proposes that:

A. The value of people is determined solely by leaders in the Unitarian church
B. The decision to perform a liver transplant depends on a measure of the moral life that the client has led so far
C. The best way to determine the solution to an ethical dilemma is to refer the case to the attending physician
D. The value of something is determined by its usefulness to society

Answer 1

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that values actions based on their utility or usefulness to society, aiming for the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This approach is especially relevant in medicine where decisions can affect many and involve balancing individual needs with societal benefits.

Step-by-step explanation:

Successful ethical discussions often rest on a shared understanding of personal values. In certain cases, when a collective agreement on values exists, we can observe the adoption of ethical philosophies such as utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the value of an action is determined by its utility or usefulness to society at large, aiming for the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This approach is contrary to other ethical considerations that may prioritize individual rights or duties, and it is especially relevant in fields like medicine where decisions can greatly affect the well-being of many.

In medical ethics, utilitarian principles could, for instance, guide decisions regarding the allocation of scarce resources, such as whether to perform a liver transplant based on the anticipated outcomes and overall benefit to society. Here, the utilitarian perspective would not focus on the moral worth of an individual's life but rather on the utility derived from health care interventions.

When applying utilitarian ethics in real scenarios, it's important to consider the varied impacts on all those affected and to use a balanced, informed approach to resolve conflicts and ethical dilemmas. The utilitarian imperative to maximize happiness and utility can provide moral guidance, though it must be weighed carefully against other ethical considerations.