Trolley problem variations flashcards

What is the classic Trolley Problem?

A scenario where you must choose to pull a lever, diverting a runaway trolley to save five people at the cost of one.

True or False: The Trolley Problem has a clear right answer.

False - it challenges moral intuitions without a definitive answer.

Act Utilitarianism vs. Rule Utilitarianism

Act: Each action judged by its consequences. Rule: Actions judged by rules that generally produce the best outcomes.

Fill in the blank: In the Trolley Problem, pulling the lever leads to _____ lives saved.

five lives saved.

What is the ‘Fat Man’ variation?

A variation where you can push a larger person off a bridge to stop the trolley, sacrificing one to save five.

Cause → Effect: Choosing to pull the lever.

Effect: One person dies, five people live.

True or False: Most people agree on outcomes of Trolley Problem variations.

False - responses vary widely based on personal ethics.

Question: How does the 'Loop' variation differ?

The trolley loops back, allowing the single person pushed to stop it, creating a different moral dilemma.

What is the ‘Transplant’ scenario?

Choosing to sacrifice one healthy person to save five patients needing organ transplants.

Comparison: Trolley Problem vs. Lifeboat Dilemma

Trolley: Act directly on lives; Lifeboat: Decisions based on limited resources and survival.

Fill in the blank: In the ‘Bystander’ variant, a _____ watches the trolley problem unfold.

bystander.

Question: What does the ‘Loop’ dilemma test?

It tests the moral limits of sacrificing one person to save others in a circular scenario.

Utilitarianism in the trolley problem?

A moral theory suggesting the best action maximizes overall happiness or utility.

What happens if you pull the lever?

You save five lives but actively cause one death, raising ethical questions about action vs. inaction.

True or False: Killing is always wrong in ethics.

False. In some ethical frameworks, killing can be justified to save more lives.

What is the 'Fat Man' variation?

A scenario where you push a large person off a bridge to stop the trolley, questioning the morality of direct action.

Consequentialism vs. Deontological ethics?

Consequentialism focuses on outcomes; deontological ethics focuses on rules/morality of actions.

Fill in the blank: Deontological ethics argues that __________ is important, regardless of outcomes.

the morality of the action.

True or False: The 'Loop Track' variant leads to the same moral dilemma.

True. It complicates the decision-making process by adding an indirect consequence.

What does 'moral luck' refer to?

The idea that factors beyond one's control can affect moral judgment.

Example: The 'Transplant' scenario?

A doctor has to decide whether to sacrifice one healthy patient to save five others needing organs.

What is a common criticism of utilitarianism?

It can justify harmful actions if they increase overall utility, leading to moral concerns.

Effect of emotions in trolley problem decisions?

Emotions can heavily influence moral reasoning, often leading to different ethical conclusions.

What does 'the greater good' mean?

A principle prioritizing the welfare of the majority over individual rights.