The Trolley Problem Trolley Problem A Bystander Trolley
The Trolley Problem
Trolley Problem A: “Bystander”
Trolley Problem 1: “Bystander” • Here, we are told, it is at least permissible to not pull the lever. • Perhaps, we are told, it is also obligatory to not pull the lever.
Trolley Problem B: “Transplant”
Trolley Problem 2: “Transplant” • Unlike the “Bystander” problem, we are told that here it is impermissible to perform the operations. • On a utilitarian calculation, the cases are formally identical. 5 = 1 1 5
Trolley Problem C: “Drug”
Trolley Problem 3: “Drug” • Given you haven’t promised the medicine to the one, it seems, it is at least permissible that you give it to the five. • It may even be required that you give the medicine to the five.
Trolley Problem D: “Fat Man”
Trolley Problem 4: “Fat Man” • It seems immediately wrong to push the Fat Man. • But, again, the numbers seem to line up. • Further, in all four cases, you are an agent, you have to make a choice, and perform an action based on this choice. • So why are our instincts so different in the cases? 5 1 = 1 5
Analysis • What happens if you choose not to act in each of the cases? v In A, B, and D, it seems at least permissible that the result of your actions should align with who would have died had you not acted (or not been present to act). A B C D
Analysis (cont’d) • Killing vs. Letting Die v Complication: In C, if you choose not to act, everyone dies. v Problem: Consider A', in which the trolley is heading at the five, and you have the option to change tracks to point it at the one. A' B C D
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