How should we aggregate competing claims?

Abstract

Many believe that we ought to save a large number frombeing permanently bed- ridden rather than save one from death. Many also believe that we ought to save one fromdeath rather than a multitude froma very minor harm, no matter how large this multitude. I argue that a principle I call Aggregate Relevant Claims sat- isfactorily explains these judgments. I offer a rationale for this principle and de- fend it against objections.