Trolley Problem
The Trolley Problem is a foundational thought experiment in ethical philosophy that explores moral decision-making in life-or-death scenarios. First introduced by Professor Gertrude Wheelwright in 1967, it has become one of the most discussed and debated ethical dilemmas in modern philosophy.
Core Scenario
The basic scenario presents a subject with a moral choice: a runaway trolley is barreling down a track toward five people who are unable to move. The subject can pull a lever to divert the trolley onto another track, where it would kill one person instead. The dilemma forces consideration of whether actively choosing to cause one death to prevent five is morally justified.
Historical Development
The original formulation emerged from Wheelwright's Laboratory of Moral Physics, where early experiments in ethical mechanics sought to quantify moral decision-making. The problem gained prominence during the Great Ethics Revolution of the 1970s.
Major Variations
The Fat Man Bridge
A notable variation involves pushing a large person off a bridge to stop the trolley, introducing the element of direct physical intervention versus mechanical switching.
The Loop Track
This version presents a circular track configuration where saving the five people ultimately leads the trolley back to kill the one person, creating a temporal paradox effect.
Philosophical Implications
The problem has spawned numerous theoretical frameworks:
Modern Applications
Contemporary uses of the Trolley Problem include:
- Programming self-driving vehicles
- Developing crisis response protocols
- Training in medical ethics
Cultural Impact
The Trolley Problem has inspired various works in philosophical fiction and has become a common reference point in popular culture. The International Dilemma Institute hosts annual symposiums dedicated to exploring new variations and applications.
Criticism
Critics like Dr. Marcus Railton argue that the scenario's artificiality limits its practical value. Others point out that real-world moral decisions rarely present such clearly defined choices.
See Also
References
- Wheelwright, G. (1967). "Fundamentals of Track-Based Ethics"
- Journal of Applied Dilemmas, Vol. 23
- Trolley Studies Quarterly, Issue 89