The Trolley Problem: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Rules of Engagement

• Respect all participants' viewpoints.

• Listen actively and avoid interrupting others.

• Support your arguments with reasoning and evidence.

• Maintain confidentiality of personal experiences shared.

• Stay open-minded and be willing to consider different perspectives.

Introduction & Context

The Trolley Problem is a classic ethical thought experiment that challenges individuals to make difficult moral decisions. Originally introduced by philosopher Philippa Foot in 1967, it presents a scenario where a runaway trolley is headed towards five people tied to the tracks. You have the option to pull a lever, diverting the trolley onto another track where only one person is tied. This dilemma forces us to consider the value of human life and the implications of our choices. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_problem?utm_source=openai))

Opening Question

Imagine this: You are standing at a railway switch, and you see a trolley speeding down the tracks towards five unsuspecting workers. You have the power to pull a lever that will divert the trolley onto another track, where it will hit one worker instead. What would you do, and why?

Discussion Questions

1. How do cultural backgrounds influence decisions in moral dilemmas like the Trolley Problem?

2. In what ways do personal values and experiences shape our responses to ethical challenges?

Anchor Questions

1. Is it ever justifiable to sacrifice one life to save many?

2. How do we determine the value of one life over another in complex moral situations?

Call to Action

Reflect on the discussions we've had today and consider how the principles we've explored apply to real-world situations. Think about how you can approach ethical dilemmas in your own life with a thoughtful and principled mindset.

Further Exploration

To deepen your understanding of the Trolley Problem and its implications, watch the following video: