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The Trolley Problem

The Trolley Problem is a thought experiment in ethics. Imagine a trolley is headed towards five people tied to a track. You can pull a lever to divert the trolley onto another track, where it will only hit one person. The dilemma raises questions about moral choices: is it acceptable to sacrifice one life to save five? It explores utilitarianism (maximizing overall good) versus deontological ethics (following moral rules). The scenario illustrates the complexities of making decisions that involve life and death, revealing the tension between consequences and moral principles.

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  • Image for The Trolley Problem

    The trolley problem is a thought experiment in ethics that poses a moral dilemma. Imagine a trolley is heading towards five people tied to the tracks. You can pull a lever to redirect it to another track, where it will hit one person instead. The dilemma questions whether it's morally acceptable to sacrifice one person to save five, highlighting themes of utilitarianism (maximizing overall good) versus deontological ethics (following moral rules). It challenges us to consider the implications of our choices and the value of human lives in decision-making.