With a death threat over her head, a teacher is directed to pass an undeserving student. If she is a hedonist, which action would she likely take?

• A. Pass the student why suffer?
• B. Pass the student despite merit
• C. Fail the student
• D. Report the threat to authorities

Answer: (A)

Hedonism aims to maximize personal pleasure and minimize pain. In a situation where a death threat shadows the teacher, the quickest way to reduce fear and danger is to choose the path that brings the least immediate distress. Passing an undeserving student to avoid suffering aligns with this aim, because it directly reduces the pressure, confrontation, and potential harm she might face by resisting the directive. The other options either would create more ongoing trouble or go against the directive in a way that could heighten risk or distress in the short term. So, the action most likely chosen, from a hedonic perspective, is to pass the student to avoid suffering.