Sam and John have been friends for 20 years. They met in college and worked together for 10 of the 20 years. During that time, each made a promise that if they won a lottery they would share the winnings 50:50. Even though they drifted apart over the years, they had a bond of friendship that neither forgot. 

One day Sam plays the Lotto and wins $2 million. He remembers the agreement with John. Sam tells his wife he will call John and give him the good news that he will get $1 million from their good fortune. His wife is astonished. She reminds Sam that they have thousands of dollars of unpaid bills and $2 million would more than cover them. She tells Sam to forget about contacting John, with whom they haven’t spoke for three years, and keep all the winnings.
Sam is trying to decide what to do. He would like to share his good fortune with John but doesn’t want to upset his wife. Paying off the bills will bring them peace of mind.

Questions
Drawing upon the concepts and ethical theories presented in the chapter respond to the following questions.

1. Assume you are in Sam’s position. What would you do and why?
2. Would your decision change if any of the following situations existed? Each question is independent of the others.

a. You have grown apart from John over the years and haven’t spoken to him for two years.
b. Your child has a medical condition that requires surgery and your insurance carrier has refused to cover the costs.
c. You won $20 million in the lottery not $2 million.