A new supermarket is being built. The county has required the owner to designate at least eight handicap parking spaces. The county installed a sign in front of each space to indicate that it is reserved for vehicles with a proper sticker. The sign also announces a $250 fine for violators. Ethically, it seems as though the punishment is well out of proportion for the transgression. However, it seems as though it is worth the harm done to a few rule breakers if the punishment prevents others from parking there. In other words, the "good" to the general community outweighs the harm of the severe individual penalty. The philosophy that supports this is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is the ethical philosophy that supports the idea that the greatest good for the greatest number of people is the primary consideration, even if it means imposing harsh penalties on a few to benefit the majority.

A New Supermarket Is Being Built