"Lifeboat ethics" is a metaphor used to discuss moral dilemmas regarding resource allocation and survival. It suggests that in a situation where resources are limited, such as a lifeboat filled to capacity, difficult choices must be made about who to save and who to leave behind. This concept raises questions about fairness, responsibility, and the value of human life. The term was popularized by philosopher Garrett Hardin in the 1970s, emphasizing that helping everyone in need may lead to the depletion of resources for those already on board. It challenges the idea of unlimited compassion and highlights the complexities of ethical decision-making in crisis situations.