Lifeboat Ethics (theory)

Lifeboat Ethics is a thought experiment that questions how wealthy nations should help poorer ones. Imagine a lifeboat with limited capacity, representing the resources of a rich country, and many people in the water representing those in need. The dilemma is whether to prioritize saving some or attempt to help everyone, risking sinking the boat. It highlights ethical tension between aiding others and protecting oneself, raising questions about fairness, resource distribution, and the moral limits of generosity in situations of scarcity.