Recursive Trolley Problem

The Recursive Trolley Problem is a philosophical thought experiment that extends the classic trolley problem into an infinite series of nested moral decisions. First proposed by Dr. Morgan Switchworth at the Institute of Advanced Dilemmas in 2018, it presents decision-makers with an ever-deepening series of moral choices that emerge from their initial decision.

Basic Concept

The experiment begins with the standard trolley scenario, where a runaway trolley is heading towards five people, and the subject can pull a lever to divert it to another track where it would kill one person. However, in the recursive version, each choice reveals a new trolley dilemma that is directly caused by the previous decision.

Levels of Recursion

First Level

The initial choice mirrors the classic problem, but introduces the concept of temporal consequence chains. After making the first decision, participants immediately face a second dilemma created by their initial choice.

Second Level

The second level typically involves dealing with the moral echo effect, where saving or sacrificing lives in the first decision creates new ethical complications. For example, diverting the trolley might cause it to hit a switch that releases another trolley, presenting a new dilemma.

Deeper Levels

As the recursion continues, participants encounter increasingly complex scenarios involving quantum moral states and paradoxical track configurations. Some theorists argue that beyond the seventh level of recursion, the problems become humanly impossible to comprehend.

Theoretical Implications

The Recursive Trolley Problem has led to several important developments in ethical theory:

• The Infinite Regress Principle
• Moral Decision Cascade Theory
• The concept of Ethical Exhaustion

Practical Applications

Despite its theoretical nature, the Recursive Trolley Problem has found practical applications in:

• Autonomous Vehicle Ethics
• Emergency Response Algorithms
• Medical Triage Systems

Criticism

Some philosophers, led by Professor Sarah Trackman, argue that the recursive nature of the problem makes it too abstract to provide meaningful ethical insights. Critics point to the Decisional Paralysis Paradox as evidence that such recursive scenarios are counterproductive to moral reasoning.

See Also

• Multi-Track Decision Theory
• Temporal Ethics
• Infinite Choice Paradox

References

1. Switchworth, M. (2018). "The Recursive Nature of Moral Decision Making"
2. Trackman, S. (2019). "Against Infinite Ethical Regression"
3. Journal of Hypothetical Transportation Ethics, Volume 45