What is the trolley problem and its implications in ethics?

What is the trolley problem and its implications in ethics?

The trolley problem is a thought experiment in ethics that explores moral dilemmas. It presents a scenario where a trolley is headed towards five people tied to a track. You can pull a lever to divert it to another track, where it will kill one person instead. This raises questions about utilitarianism versus deontological ethics.

What are the different variations of the trolley problem?

There are several variations, including the 'fat man' scenario, where you can push a large person off a bridge to stop the trolley, and the 'loop track' scenario, where the trolley can loop back to hit the original five if you divert it. Each variation tests different ethical principles.

How do people generally respond to these scenarios?

Responses vary widely. Many people lean towards utilitarianism, choosing to save the most lives, while others adhere to deontological ethics, believing it's wrong to actively cause harm, even for a greater good.

What does research say about people's decisions in these scenarios?

Research shows that factors like emotional responses, cultural background, and personal beliefs significantly influence decisions. Studies have found that people often struggle with the emotional weight of making a choice that directly causes harm.