Which assumption underlies the defenders' argument? (Passage: The ethics of triage)
In an emergency department overwhelmed by casualties, clinicians use triage to decide who is treated first. Patients are not seen in order of arrival; instead, those whose lives are at immediate risk but who can be saved are prioritised. Patients who are very likely to die even with treatment may be given comfort care so that limited resources go to those who can benefit. Critics say such a system fails individuals, while defenders argue that in a mass-casualty event the duty to the whole group must outweigh the claim of any one patient.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. In a mass-casualty event, benefit to the group can outweigh the claim of one individual
- Step 1: Find what must be true for the argument. Step 2. The defenders say the duty to the whole group outweighs any one claim. Answer: In a mass-casualty event, benefit to the group can outweigh the claim of one individual. Why not the others: Equal chance, comfort care effectiveness, and certain knowledge are not assumed.
Practise more Short passages and comprehension (set 2).
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