util

A four-panel SMBC comic about dueling utilitarians. Panel 1: A man in a coat stands by water where a child is drowning. Narration: 'A utilitarian sees a child drowning, but knows saving the child would ruin his suit.' He thinks, 'Saving a life is more important than my clothing!' Panel 2: Narration: 'However, the child is also a utilitarian.' The drowning child thinks, 'No! That coat is worth several hundred dollars! Due to inequality in GDP per capita, selling the coat could save the lives of the poorest children in other countries!' Panel 3: The two figures stand thinking. Narration: 'The two briefly consider whether constructed moral dilemmas capture the value of local social bonds, market structures, and the limited science of developmental economics.' Panel 4: A red trolley/bus barrels toward them. Narration: 'Fortunately both are run over by a trolley before any conclusion is reached.' A figure leaning out of the trolley says, 'It's okay! I saved three people!' Votey: Close-up of the smug trolley driver (a man in a cap), who adds in a speech bubble, 'Plus we can donate their organs!' as the trolley sounds 'BEEP! BEEP!'