Utilitarianism In The Life Of Pi

Throughout history, one fact has always stood true: only the strongest endure. When faced with danger, some choose to take flight, to turn and to run. Others rise and fight; they adapt, they do not waver and most importantly, they survive. However, the actions one must take in order to ensure survival may raise questions of morality. In regards to the principle of utility, the life of pi, demonstrates a belief that when faced with controversy, it is morally justified to do what one must do in order to survive. The novel demonstrates the stages of well-being outlined in the work of professor Stephen Nathanson through the actions and decisions taken by the characters.
To begin, many aspects of utilitarianism are displayed through the acts of …show more content…
When stranded on the lifeboat Gita’s motherly instincts instantly take charge of her actions. Unlike the cook, Gita is overwhelmed with feelings of empathy towards the sailor. She does what she can to make the sailor as comfortable as possible, and even attempts to defend the sailor from the monsterous cook. However, she does not forget about her actual son, Pi. Once the hopes of saving the sailor are gone, Gita practically takes up arms against the cook. She does her best to separate her and her son from the dangerous cook; her and pi always stay on the opposing side of the lifeboat and only associate with the cook when necessary, for he was their only source of food. In doing so, Gita is placing Pi’s needs above hers. Gita could have literally taken up arms against the cook and taken her chances at survival alone, but she was aware of the fact that he was the only one with any survivalist skills and was her best opportunity to keep her son alive for another day. However, this less than amicable coexistence soon comes to a swift and gruesome end. Thanks to yet another altercation, Gita was forced to reevaluate the utility of the cook, unfortunately, this time his actions could not be overlooked. Their less than amicable coexistence came to a complete end as soon as the cook proved to be a threat to the safety of Pi. Unfortunately, this also marks …show more content…
When rescued off the shore of Mexico, Pi is taken to a hospital where he is questioned by two Japanese ministry of transportation agents as to the events that transpired. By then goes on to recount a great fable, in which the passengers aboard the lifeboat are actually animals. The injured sailor becomes an injured zebra; the cook becomes a hyena; his mother an orangutan; and Pi is accompanied by a bengal tiger on his journey across the ocean. This version of the story is what is recounted to the reader throughout the novel. Logically, the agents question the accuracy of this story, so Pi recounts the more logically sound version in which all occupants are humans. The agents are appalled at the heinous things Pi endured in order to survive when hearing this version. After having told them both versions of the story, Pi asks the agents which version they like better. Obviously, the agents chose the fantastical version in which the sanctity of mankind remains intact. During the introduction of the novel, Pi’s story is advertised as one that will “make you believe in God.” So, this version is the one Pi goes on to tell others and he allows them to decide which one they take as true. Logically speaking, it is very clear which story is