The Math of Morality: 'N' for Number Affected

This is a continuation and expansion of my post "The Math of Morality". If you haven't read it, I would suggest doing so before reading on. This post covers the number affected by a morally measurable action, which I gave the variable 'N'.

While this may seem straight forward, it, of course, isn't. Otherwise I wouldn't be doing a post on it. The number affected may seem to relate to the impact variable, but that variable only applies to the individual affected. To find the number affected you have to find out how many received the same effect.

The number affected is an interger. The number can be an individual, a group, a select population, or everyone on Earth. However, all of these numbers are quantifiable. It may be difficult to do so, but the numbers can be found. Even if 'N' is a percentage of a group, then you can find out the total number of the group and multiply by the perecentage to get 'N'.

'N' can even be an estimate, in certain circumstances. What if it will affect those not yet born? This could be projected with the caveat that the one calculating let it be known that it's an estimate. The best bet is to use the numbers available at the time that the equation is being done, though.

Another caveat is that the person performing the action is not included in the ones affected. In effect

N = N - s

Of course, this only applies to the effect that the person performing the action received. You wouldn't subtract the person from 'N' if they did not receive the effect.

Now, this part of the equation is fairly simple, but I felt the need to describe it because it will become important later on. Numbers matter, and large numbers really make a difference. As you'll see when I combine it all together.