INDEPENDENT PROJECT

How far would you go to save a life, and at what cost?

Would You Pull the Lever? Exploring the Trolley Problem

1. Introduction

Imagine you’re standing at a railway switch. A trolley is barreling down the tracks. Ahead, five people are tied to the rails, unable to move. You notice a lever nearby. If you pull it, the trolley will switch tracks, but on the other track, one person is tied down. Do you pull the lever to save five lives at the expense of one? Or do you let fate take its course?

• Coined by philosopher Philippa Foot in 1967, the Trolley Problem is a thought experiment exploring utilitarian ethics (the greatest good for the greatest number) versus deontological ethics (following rules or duties regardless of consequences). • It asks us to weigh moral principles against outcomes, leaving us in a state of moral conflict.

utilitarian

deontological

• Focus on Rules: Actions are judged based on adherence to moral rules or duties, regardless of the consequences. • Inherent Morality: Certain actions are inherently right or wrong, e.g., killing is always wrong. • Individual Rights: Prioritizes protecting individual rights over maximizing overall benefits. • Moral Absolutism: Decisions remain consistent, even if outcomes may seem unfavorable.

• Focus on Outcomes: Actions are judged based on their consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness or minimize harm.

• Greatest Good Principle: The morally right action is the one that benefits the greatest number of people. • Flexibility: Decisions are adaptable to different situations to achieve the best results. • Moral Calculations: Often requires weighing costs and benefits, which can lead to controversial decisions (e.g., sacrificing one to save many).

Scenario 1: The Classic Trolley Problem Scenario 2: The Fat Man Scenario 3: Self-Sacrifice Scenario 4: Who Deserves to Live?

2. SCENARIOS

3. ARGUMENT

1. No Clear Answer: The Trolley Problem reveals that moral decisions are rarely black and white. Our choices depend on context, values, and how we weigh outcomes versus principles. 2. Utilitarianism vs. Deontology: The dilemma highlights the clash between utilitarianism (saving the greatest number) and deontology (adhering to moral rules regardless of the outcome). Both approaches have strengths and limitations.

3. The Role of Emotion: Our decisions are not purely logical. Emotional factors, like personal connections or feelings meddle with our critical reasoning

4.OPINION

The Trolley Problem challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truth that morality is not absolute. It forces us to question whether saving more lives is always the right decision or if the means by which we achieve that outcome matter more. While it may seem logical to pull the lever and minimize harm, the emotional weight of directly causing a death complicates our instincts. Ultimately, the problem reveals that ethical dilemmas often have no perfect solution—only choices that reflect our values and priorities.

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

Maria Vittoria Piraino 3C