A Classic Ethical Dilemma Is the Hypothetical Case of a Man

question 1

Multiple Choice

A classic ethical dilemma is the hypothetical case of a man stealing from a grocery store in order to feed his starving family. If you used the Utilitarian Principle to evaluate this situation, you might argue that stealing the food is

• A) acceptable, because the grocer suffers the least harm.
• B) acceptable, because the higher value is the survival of the family.
• C) wrong, because the man would not want the grocery to steal from him.
• D) wrong, because if everyone were to do this, the concept of personal property is defeated.