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The practice of allocating organs for transplantation based on a persons "worth to society" is an example of what ethical principle for decision making?

A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Utility
D) Justice

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A) Autonomy Allocating organs for transplantation based on societal worth aligns with the ethical principle of utility, which seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practice of allocating organs for transplantation based on a person's "worth to society" is an example of the ethical principle of utility. This principle is associated with utilitarianism, a normative ethical theory proposed by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, which suggests that actions are morally right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In the context of organ allocation, using societal worth as a criterion is aimed at maximizing the overall benefit to society, rather than focusing on individual needs or rights.

The practice of allocating organs for transplantation based on a person's "worth to society" is an example of the ethical principle of utility for decision making. Utilitarian philosophers advocate seeking the greatest happiness for the largest number of people. They weigh the benefits of keeping a person alive against the suffering, expense, and opportunity costs of caring for them. In this case, the decision to allocate organs is based on the overall potential benefit to society.

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