The Trolley Problem: an Ethical Dilemma

As a college student pursuing studies in philosophy and ethics, one cannot help but come across the famous ethical thought experiment known as the trolley problem. This problem has been a topic of discussion and debate in the field of philosophy and ethics since its origin in the 1960s. The trolley problem presents a moral dilemma regarding whether to take an action that may harm one person to save the lives of many. In this essay, we will explore and evaluate two cases of the trolley problem in-depth to understand the different perspectives on this controversial subject and demonstrate how it poses a challenge to moral reasoning.

Overview of the Trolley Problem

The trolley problem is a thought experiment that poses a moral dilemma through hypothetical scenarios. In these scenarios, a trolley is heading towards a group of people, and the participant must make a decision to divert the trolley or not. The decision that presents a moral dilemma is whether to divert the trolley, knowing that it will result in the death of some individuals, or to let the trolley continue on its path, leading to the death of a larger group of people.

The trolley problem poses an ethical dilemma that must be resolved through moral reasoning based on several ethical theories and principles. It is a useful tool to explore different ethical theories and perspectives and foster critical thinking and evaluation of ethical decision-making.

Case 1: The Fat Man

The first case of the trolley problem involves a fat man standing on a bridge. The trolley is heading towards five individuals, and the participant may push the fat man off the bridge to stop the trolley and save the five individuals. This scenario presents an ethical dilemma that requires a decision that will result in the death of one to save the lives of five.

Several ethical theories provide different perspectives on this case. According to utilitarianism, the decision to push the fat man would be morally justifiable since it results in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. On the other hand, deontological ethics would argue that this decision is morally incorrect since it violates the principle of the duty to protect human life. Virtue ethics would take into account the individual's character and personal values in making this decision.

The decision to push the fat man has potential consequences and implications that need to be considered. For instance, pushing the fat man might lead to legal repercussions, and the participant might be held accountable for wrongful death. It is also essential to consider the psychological and emotional consequences of such a decision and the implications on the participant's ethical reasoning.

Case 2: The Switch

The second case of the trolley problem involves a participant who can pull a lever that diverts the trolley from hitting five people onto a different track where only one person is present. In this scenario, the participant has to weigh the ethical dilemma of sacrificing one life to save the lives of five.

Utilitarianism would argue that pulling the switch is morally justifiable as it maximizes the greatest good for the greatest number. Deontological ethics, on the other hand, would argue that it is not morally correct to sacrifice one person's life to save others. Finally, virtue ethics would consider personal character, values, and motives in the decision-making process.

The decision to pull the switch has significant consequences and implications. In this case, the participant is not directly killing someone, but the decision to divert the trolley still has life-altering consequences. Pulling the switch might lead to legal repercussions, moral distress, and psychological ramifications, affecting the participant's ethical reasoning and decision-making in the future.

Comparison and Contrast of the Two Cases

Both cases of the trolley problem presented a moral dilemma requiring the participants to make a decision that would result in the loss of human life. The main difference between the two cases is the means through which the decision will be taken. In the first case, the participant must physically push someone to stop the trolley, while in the second case, the decision is less direct, and the participant pulls a lever, diverting the trolley from its path.

Furthermore, the ethical considerations and principles in both cases are similar. Utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics provide different perspectives on both cases and address fundamental ethical principles, such as beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy, among others.

Personal Perspective and Conclusion

As a college student, I find the trolley problem both intriguing and challenging. The thought experiment presents a moral dilemma that requires a decision that can result in the loss of human life. It challenges conventional ethical thinking and encourages critical thinking and evaluation of ethical decision-making processes.

The trolley problem demonstrates the complexity and challenges of resolving ethical dilemmas. It highlights the significance of individual ethical perspectives, personal beliefs, character, and principles in ethical reasoning and decision-making.

In conclusion, the trolley problem is an ethical dilemma that requires critical thinking and evaluation of ethical decisions. The presented cases demonstrate the complexity and challenges of ethical reasoning and decision-making. It is essential to consider the consequences and implications of each decision and the ethical principles underlying different ethical perspectives to resolve moral dilemmas effectively.

References

1. Greene, J. D. (2014). Beyond Point-and-Shoot Morality: Why Cognitive (Neuro) Science Matters for Ethics, Ethics, and the Brain, J. Illes and B.J. Sahakian (eds.). Oxford University Press, 151-170.
2. Thomson, J. J. (1985). The trolley problem. Yale Law Journal, 94(6), 1395-1415.
3. Johnson, R. E., & Cureton, A. (2015). Contemporary debates in applied ethics. John Wiley & Sons.