Trolley Problem

Definition

The trolley problem is a thought experiment in ethics that presents a scenario where an individual must choose between two morally undesirable outcomes. It is often used to explore the principles and dilemmas underlying ethical decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The trolley problem typically presents a scenario where a runaway trolley is headed towards a group of five people, and the only way to save them is to divert the trolley onto a side track where it will kill one person instead.
2. The trolley problem is often used to explore the tension between deontological and utilitarian ethical frameworks, as the action of diverting the trolley may save more lives but involves directly causing the death of an individual.
3. The trolley problem has been expanded to include variations, such as the 'fat man' scenario, where the only way to stop the trolley is to push a large person in front of it, saving the five but killing the one.
4. Responses to the trolley problem can vary widely, with some individuals prioritizing the preservation of life and others focusing on the moral implications of directly causing harm.
5. The trolley problem is often used in introductory philosophy courses to introduce students to the complexities of ethical decision-making and the challenges of applying different moral frameworks to real-world situations.

Review Questions

• Explain how the trolley problem relates to the topic of how philosophers arrive at truth.
  • The trolley problem is a thought experiment that challenges philosophers to reconcile the principles of different ethical frameworks, such as deontology and utilitarianism, in order to arrive at a coherent and defensible moral conclusion. By grappling with the dilemma presented in the trolley problem, philosophers must carefully examine their underlying assumptions, weigh the competing moral considerations, and ultimately determine which ethical principles should take precedence. This process of critical analysis and reasoned deliberation is central to how philosophers arrive at truth within the realm of ethics and moral philosophy.
• Describe how the trolley problem can be used to inform the process of reading and interpreting philosophical texts.
  • The trolley problem serves as a useful tool for developing the skills necessary for reading and interpreting philosophical texts. By analyzing the various arguments and perspectives presented in discussions of the trolley problem, students can learn to identify the key ethical principles at play, understand the nuances of different moral frameworks, and recognize the importance of contextual factors in shaping philosophical reasoning. Additionally, the trolley problem encourages students to engage in the kind of close, critical reading and analytical thinking that is essential for comprehending and evaluating the complex ideas and arguments found in philosophical literature.
• Evaluate how the trolley problem highlights the challenges of applying universal moral rules to specific ethical dilemmas.
  • The trolley problem illustrates the inherent tension between the desire for universal moral rules and the complexities of real-world ethical decision-making. While deontological frameworks may suggest that actively causing harm is always wrong, the utilitarian perspective would argue that saving the greater number of lives is the morally correct action. This conflict highlights the difficulty in crafting moral principles that can consistently and unambiguously guide behavior across all possible scenarios. The trolley problem underscores the need for philosophical inquiry to grapple with the nuances of context, consequences, and competing values when attempting to arrive at ethical truths. This process of critical analysis and reasoned deliberation is central to the philosophical enterprise.

Related terms

Deontology: An ethical framework that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than the consequences of the action.

Utilitarianism: An ethical framework that judges the morality of an action based on its consequences, specifically its ability to maximize overall happiness or well-being.

Moral Dilemma: A situation in which an individual is faced with a choice between two or more actions, each of which has moral implications, and there is no clear-cut right answer.