Hypothetically speaking, if your death would save the life of one or more complete strangers that you know nothing about, how many people would need to be saved (if any) in order for you to give up your own life?

EDIT: Your death would be painless and instantaneous.

  • Kerfuffle@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    From a utilitarian perspective, if it helps people I’m invested in then the number would be low. But if it helps people who have no connection with my life whatsoever, then the number would be close to infinity.

    This is basically the exact opposite of utilitarianism. The utilitarian perspective would be to look at it in an objective way and determine what choice, overall, lead to the highest utility. Your decision is completely subjective.

    • jet@hackertalks.com
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      1 year ago

      Fair, I suppose I meant highest utility for ME and my people. What would be the right way to describe it?

      • Kerfuffle@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        I would just leave the “From a utilitarian perspective” part out. The rest of what you wrote seemed to describe your position adequate.