Question

George is in the middle of a high stakes poker game when he notices what he thinks is cheating by another player. It appears to George that this player took a card from his lap and switched it with a card that he was dealt. If George is a utilitarian thinker, he should:

Answer 1

Answer:

If George is an utilitarian thinker he should focus on what the possible outcomes of the situation might be if it turns out the player wasn't cheating.

Explanation:

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. This theory says that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

However, since we cannot predict the future, it is difficult to be certain of what the consequences of our actions will be.

In the example, if George is an utilitarian thinker, he will focus on outcomes. It appeared to him that the other player took a card from his lap and switched it with a card that he was dealt, however, he cannot be sure if the player is indeed cheating.

As an utilitarian thinker, George should focus on what the possible outcomes of the situation might be if it turns out the player wasn't cheating.