Trolley problem

Definition

The trolley problem is a thought experiment in ethics that presents a moral dilemma involving a runaway trolley threatening to kill multiple people unless it is diverted onto another track where it would kill only one person. This scenario raises questions about utilitarianism, the value of individual lives, and the ethics of making difficult choices in life-and-death situations, making it a significant topic in discussions of moral philosophy and its implications in technology and artificial intelligence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The trolley problem illustrates the conflict between consequentialist and deontological ethical frameworks, highlighting how different philosophies approach moral decision-making.
2. Variations of the trolley problem exist, including scenarios with different numbers of people involved or changes to the agent's relationship to those affected, illustrating the complexity of ethical reasoning.
3. The trolley problem has gained relevance in discussions about artificial intelligence, as it raises questions about how autonomous systems should make ethical decisions in life-or-death situations.
4. Philosophers have proposed various solutions to the trolley problem, including those that prioritize individual rights over collective outcomes or vice versa.
5. Public responses to the trolley problem often reveal biases and differing intuitions about moral responsibility and the value of human life.

Review Questions

• How does the trolley problem challenge different ethical theories such as utilitarianism and deontology?
  • The trolley problem challenges utilitarianism by forcing individuals to weigh the consequences of their actions against the value of individual lives. Utilitarianism might suggest diverting the trolley to save more lives, prioritizing the greater good. In contrast, deontology would argue that it is wrong to actively cause harm to an individual, regardless of the outcome. This creates a conflict between maximizing overall happiness and adhering to moral duties, illustrating how different ethical frameworks lead to distinct conclusions.
• What are some implications of the trolley problem for the development of artificial intelligence systems?
  • The trolley problem has significant implications for AI, particularly in designing autonomous vehicles and decision-making algorithms. Developers must consider how these systems will respond in emergencies where lives are at stake. The ethical dilemmas presented by the trolley problem prompt discussions about programming AI to adhere to certain moral principles, whether they should prioritize saving the most lives or adhere to rules against harming individuals. These decisions reflect broader societal values and highlight the importance of integrating ethical considerations into technology.
• Evaluate how public perceptions of the trolley problem may differ based on cultural backgrounds or personal experiences, and what this reveals about moral intuitions.
  • Public perceptions of the trolley problem can vary widely depending on cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, revealing diverse moral intuitions. For example, some cultures may prioritize collectivist values, leading individuals to lean towards utilitarian solutions that maximize overall benefit. Others may emphasize individual rights, leading to resistance against sacrificing one person for others. This divergence highlights how moral reasoning is influenced by social norms and personal beliefs, raising important questions about how these differences can be reconciled in global discussions on ethics and technology.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the majority, often used as a framework for evaluating decisions in moral dilemmas.

Deontology:

An ethical approach that emphasizes duty and adherence to rules or principles, regardless of the consequences of actions.

Moral Dilemma: A situation in which a person faces conflicting moral choices, making it difficult to determine the right course of action.