The problem attempts to define the situation so that “torture” is utility maximizing. Therefore if you are a utility maximizer, “torture” is the implied choice. The problem is meant to illustrate that in extreme cases utility maximization can (rightly or wrongly) lead to decisions that are counter-intuitive to our limited human imaginations.
The problem attempts to define the situation so that “torture” is utility maximizing. Therefore if you are a utility maximizer, “torture” is the implied choice. The problem is meant to illustrate that in extreme cases utility maximization can (rightly or wrongly) lead to decisions that are counter-intuitive to our limited human imaginations.