Description
Return benefit-weight×harm and weightDerivative equal to negative harm.
An explicit priority model makes a chosen ordering or tradeoff visible. Lexicographic comparison, tolerance-based ties and weighted benefit-minus-harm are different procedures; computing them does not establish their moral justification.
Return benefit-weight×harm and weightDerivative equal to negative harm.
When to use this tool
Use Benefit Harm Explicit Weight Sensitivity when you need a transparent comparison under a supplied priority or valuation rule.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter benefit, harm, weight. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read weightedValue, weightDerivative. Use the output convention below.
Require nonnegative weight. Return benefit-weight×harm and weightDerivative equal to negative harm.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| benefit | Benefit | Required. Finite number. |
| harm | Harm | Required. Finite number. |
| weight | Weight | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| weightedValue | Weighted Value | Required. Finite number. |
| weightDerivative | Weight Derivative | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"benefit": 10,
"harm": 3,
"weight": 2
},
"output": {
"weightedValue": 4,
"weightDerivative": -3
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Benefit/harm may be signed and must share a declared comparable scale. This is one explicit model, not a determination of ethical value or a complete decision procedure.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Examine the reasons for the priorities and the people affected, including omitted duties and uncertainties. Use the appropriate deliberative or professional process rather than treating a numerical ranking as a complete ethical judgment.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Utility Lexicographic Priority One Pair
Compare primary values first, then secondary only on exact primary equality.
- Competing Duty Priority Tie Label
Label tie within absolute tolerance, otherwise prefer the larger supplied priority.