PART A:

1. John is a doctor who works in a hospital that is

running low on ventilators due to a pandemic. He has to

decide which of his two patients, Alice and Bob, should

get the only available ventilator. Alice is 80 years old

and has a terminal illness, while Bob is 40 years old and

has a chronic condition. John knows that Alice has a

lower chance of survival and a lower quality of life than

Bob, but he also respects her autonomy and dignity.

What should John do according to utilitarianism?

a) Give the ventilator to Alice, because she has the right

to choose her own treatment.

b) Give the ventilator to Bob, because he has a higher

utility and a greater potential for happiness.

c) Flip a coin, because both Alice and Bob have equal

moral worth and deserve equal consideration.

d) Consult with Alice and Bob, because they are the best

judges of their own interests and preferences.

Answer: B. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that holds

that the right action is the one that maximizes utility,

which is usually defined as happiness or well-being.

According to utilitarianism, John should give the

ventilator to Bob, because he has a higher utility and a

greater potential for happiness than Alice, who has a

terminal illness and a lower quality of life. Giving the

ventilator to Alice would not only reduce her utility, but