Kenney the Elder takes on Time’s Morality Quiz and “lifeboat ethics”:

Of course, what is being argued isn’t a case of utilitarianism in the purest sense, but proportionalism. Proportionalist ethics make the argument that one can do evil and affect good — a contradiction in the highest regard.

Hence where lifeboat ethics ultimately fail. As the captain of the boat, it holds 800 lbs. of weight, and there are 1200 lbs. of person. As the boat rapidly fills with water, you state the situation to the crew and ask for volunteers. None reply. What do you do?