Armchair Philosophy #16 - The Trolley Problem

Rubin discusses the trolley problem and it's many variations. What would you do?

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[Lost-Lilim]

The Magistrate example is not as effective, because the responsibility for the five deaths would be wholly upon the rioters, while executing an innocent would be wholly upon the magistrate. The trolley example implicates only the switch individual either through action or inaction.

[Bill_Garthright]

My problem with most of these questions is that, in the real world, there are often other variables. And I can't ignore that, even when I'm supposed to ignore it. These situations are just too artificial for me. But then, I'm not a big fan of philosophy, anyway - for that same reason, pretty much.

These videos are always interesting, anyway. Thanks.

[jamesjacocks]

If you participate in these scenarios you play God. I have always seen these problems as too didactic. There is always the decision, but it is never whether to push someone into the path of a trolley. It is more likely whether to be honest or social. I find these ponderables poor teaching examples unless we are trying to shoehorn someone into a category. Some time ago in DC there was a plane crash and an amazing person leapt from a bridge into an icy river and rescued one of the few lucky ones. That person wanted no reward, or even praise. I think he never thought about what he did, it was a holistic act because that was what he was. Instead of pondering, prepare. Life will challenge everyone to be courageous, not to be God.