outcomedeathrather

Outcomedeathrather is a coined term in moral philosophy and AI ethics describing a hypothetical decision rule in which death is the preferred outcome among available consequences. It is used in thought experiments to test how theories of value handle extreme stakes and is typically treated as a reductio against certain utilitarian or rule-based systems.

Etymology and formulation: The term blends "outcome," "death," and "rather" to indicate ranking death above non-fatal alternatives. There is no standard mathematical form; variants range from treating death as the sole acceptable outcome to placing it higher than all non-fatal harms when the framework aims to maximize a given criterion.

Contexts and implications: In life-and-death dilemmas, outcomedeathrather tests whether a decision framework can coherently prioritize death as the preferred result. Critics argue that it violates fundamental values, such as the intrinsic worth of life and rights, and risks endorsing dangerous or inhumane policies. Proponents view it as a boundary case for examining theory and AI safety rules.

Reception and usage: The term remains largely theoretical, appearing mainly in commentaries, speculative discussions, or fiction to illustrate the dangers of mis-specified decision rules in autonomous systems. It is not an accepted doctrine in mainstream ethics or applied decision theory.