For the scenarios below, first decide if they are a problem or decision, and then explain how and why.

Scenario 1

You are governor of a state. A very influential political group's leader comes to meet with you, asking for more money to be spent on shelters for the homeless, on programs to help them get jobs, and on community mental-health programs. You know there is very little money in the state budget to help them with new programs. You also know that come election day you will need the group's help. Should you make a promise to the leader to help or not?

Scenario 2

Imagine you are a physician making a decision on behalf of a patient who has left the matter up to you. The patient has an unusual infection, which lasts for a short time. The infection has a 15% chance of causing permanent brain damage. You may undertake a procedure that will prevent the brain damage from the infection (with 100% probability). However, the procedure itself has a 20% chance of causing brain damage itself. Should you undertake the procedure or not?

Scenario 3

You are the conductor on a train. A woman gets on the train without a ticket. You tell her that the fare is $2, plus $1 for not buying a ticket at the station. The woman refuses to pay the extra dollar, although she has the money. She says that she did not know the rule. You do not believe her. You have seen her many times riding the train, and you know that there is a sign posted in the station where she got on. The rules say that passengers must be made to pay or they must be put off the train, if necessary, by calling the police. Calling the police would delay the train and make all the other passengers late. All the other passengers are listening to your conversation with the woman. Do you throw her off the train if she does not pay the dollar?