The Old and the Young

Q: If an old man and young boy are drowning, and you are only able to save one, which one do you save?

A: Whichever one is closer.

It is often the popular answer to save the young boy because it is assumed that the old man has already lived out the potential of his life. This claim is built on the foundation that the boy is capable of being useful and does not entertain the possibility that he may accomplish little or nothing in his lifespan. If the latter is possible, then there is no reason to favor him based solely on his youth. His potential worth is relatively unknown.

It must also be considered that the content of their characters should have no bearing on their rescue. If both or none are of a noble/ malicious nature, then it is supremely difficult to determine who should live based on moral standing. One comes to the realization that one cannot fulfill the capacity of an omnipotent judge. Therefore, only life is important. Saving one life out of two is all that needs to be achieved.