Question

Medical utility, where resources are provided on the basis of best prognosis, seems to be a less subjective system than providing resources on the basis of ____ utility.

Answer 1

Medical utility is a less subjective approach to resource allocation in healthcare than subjective utility, focusing on prognosis rather than broader costs and benefits associated with utilitarianism. Subjective utility considers factors such as patient happiness and opportunity cost.

Explanation :

Medical utility, where resources are provided on the basis of the best prognosis, is considered to be a less subjective system than providing resources based on subjective utility. The concept of subjective utility arises from utilitarian principles which advocate for the greatest happiness for the largest number of people.

Contrastingly, medical utility focuses on the more objective measure of prognosis - the likelihood of patient recovery and survival. When making tough choices, such as allocation of a respirator, if a patient has a low chance of recovery and others with better prognoses need it, resources might be reallocated to those with a higher chance for survival.