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:
A) Accuse the alleged cheater of cheating in front of all the other players
B) Consider what might happen if he accuses the player of cheating and he is wrong
C) Speak to the alleged cheater during a regularly scheduled break and tell him not to do it again
D) Forget about the whole matter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a utilitarian thinker, George should consider the consequences of his actions and choose the option that will lead to the greatest overall happiness for everyone involved. Accusing the player in front of all the other players could cause embarrassment and anger, leading to a negative situation for everyone involved. Forgetting about the matter would allow the possible cheating to continue, leading to an unfair game. Instead, George should consider the possible outcomes of accusing the player and weigh them against the potential benefits of stopping the cheating. Speaking to the alleged cheater during a regularly scheduled break and telling him not to do it again may also lead to a positive outcome, without causing unnecessary harm or conflict.

George Is in the Middle of a High Stakes Poker