In the evaluation of consequentialist moral theories, utilitarianism stands as the

branch of consequentialism that aims to maximize the overall good for the greatest
number of possibilities. When evaluating moral dilemmas within consequentialism, we
come across various novels and scenarios that share a common storyline of sacrificing
an individual for a greater good. For this same purpose, consequentialist dilemmas
should be argued through the correct utilitarian narrative to avoid ethical fallacies. In the
novels ​Sophie’s Choice​ by William Styron and ​Crime and Punishment​ by Dostoyevsky,
we can identify concrete moral issues that can be ethically evaluated using an act
utilitarianism moral reasoning.

The novel ​Sophie’s Choice ​explores the storyline of a Polish mother, Sophie,
forced to choose which of her kids to save from the gas chambers in Auschwitz.
Appearing indecisive, she impulsively chooses her son and allows her daughter to be
sent to her death. Sophie faces a genuine moral issue/dilemma as she is forced to
make a choice that violates her moral obligation as a mother. Her ethical judgment is
clouded by the agony of her choice, which causes her life-long guilt and ultimately her
suicide. In ​Crime and Punishment​, Dostoyevsky explores the storyline of a disturbing
moral proposition in which a man murders a wealthy woman, arguing that her death will
cause a greater good for himself and those in need. Given that her persona is malicious
and skittish, the narration argues that her death brings a greater good to society than
her life. Both of these novels argue scenarios that involve a sacrifice for a ‘greater
good’, therefore being apt for a moral evaluation through act utilitarianism.

From the perspective of act utilitarianism, Sophie’s choice was morally correct.
Whether her choice was impulsive or instinctive, choosing her older son increased the
possibilities of survival of her children in the brutal concentration camps. Through the
argument of act utilitarianism, we should look for the choice with the best outcome for
the specific situation at hand, which would ultimately maximize happiness. We can,
therefore, conclude that choosing one of her kids, was better than letting them both die.
By choosing the older one, she made the choice with the highest success rate for the
situation at hand. While her guilt caused her to terminate her own life, act utilitarianism
argues that her choice wasn’t hers, therefore, ​‘’If one or two people are harmed by the
action but the rest of society is helped by it, the doer of the action shouldn’t feel guilt
over the pain.’’​ From a utilitarian perspective, this would produce the highest level of
utility for the doer of the action and the affected individuals.
 The storyline of ​Crime and Punishment ​explores the moral grounds of murder for
the greatest good, which is not depicted as wrong under act utilitarianism. Dostoyevsky
argues for the greatest good for the greatest number of people, similar to Jeremy
Bentham. According to the principles of act utilitarianism, the murder of the old woman
is not a wrong action if it creates a greater general good. While stealing money is not
morally permissible, allocating the funds for education brings a higher purpose to the
use of the material. While the doer of the action violated the law and moral rules of a
society, which would be depicted negatively under rule utilitarianism, he helped people
more than he hurt them, making this murder morally permissible under act utilitarianism.
Working for the principle of a greater good regardless of consequences is a narrative
promoted by utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism could argue that the murder in this specific
case is morally acceptable because it is a leading factor for a bigger universal benefit.

Overall, it may be said that the novels ​Sophie’s Choice ​and C​rime and
Punishment ​present thought-provoking moral issues/dilemmas that can be morally
evaluated through the lenses of act utilitarianism, avoiding any ethical fallacies. Both
works of literature explore concepts of morality and situations that invite us to
comprehend the hardships of individuals and the role of ethics in their specific
situations. Through the evaluation of moral issues/dilemmas through act utilitarianism,
we grasp the core of utilitarianism itself; the importance of reaching the greatest
contentment possible.
 ​Works Cited

Dovi, Suzanne Lynn. “Sophie's Choice : Letting Chance Decide.” ​Philosophy and
Literature,​ Johns Hopkins University Press, 19 June 2006,
muse.jhu.edu/article/199381/pdf.

Jander, Katie. “Utilitarianism in Crime and Punishment.” ​Prezi.com​, 17 Apr. 2014,

prezi.com/pg-e5b3ffqnw/utilitarianism-in-crime-and-punishment/.

“List : Short Ethical Dilemmas.” ​Treasuresoul​,

treasuresoul.blogspot.com/2009/04/short-ethical-dilemmas.html.

“Utilarianism.” ​SOPHIE'S CHOICE​,

nlcsethicsproject9fantarapillutla.weebly.com/utilarianism.html.