Context View: This Video On The Trolley Car Problem

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View this video on the Trolley Car Problem: hh . The trolley car problem is a philosophical thought experiment in which you must decide how to respond to a runaway train. It asks you to analyze two different scenarios. In the first scenario, a runaway train is speeding toward four people standing on the track. You can stop the train by switching tracks. However, there is a man on the track. Would you switch the track knowing one man would die to save four? In the second scenario, the runaway train is speeding toward four people on the track. But this time, you cannot flip a switch to change tracks. The only way to save the lives of the four people is to push a large man off a bridge to stop the car. Would you push him knowing he would die to save the other four? Write a 3-4 page paper in which you do the following: 1) Discuss how an ethical egoist and a utilitarian (choose either act or rule utilitarianism) would respond? 2) State your own position on each scenario. Would you reroute the train? Would you push the man off the bridge? What moral logic justifies your positions? 3) Compare your responses to that of ethical egoism and utilitarianism. 4) Assess the strengths and weakness of your positions in light of these two consequentialist theories.

Paper For Above instruction

The trolley problem serves as a profound ethical dilemma that challenges individuals to consider the morality of actions that produce the greatest good or prioritize self-interest. Central to this thought experiment are two scenarios: one where switching tracks can save four lives at the expense of one, and another where the only way to save four lives involves actively pushing a person off a bridge to stop an oncoming train. Analyzing these scenarios through the lens of ethical egoism and utilitarianism reveals differing moral priorities and justifications, which I will explore alongside my own moral stance and evaluation.

Ethical Egoism's Perspective

Ethical egoism posits that actions are morally right if they promote the individual's self-interest. From this viewpoint, the decision to intervene in the trolley problem depends on whether maintaining the action benefits oneself in the long run. In the first scenario, an ethical egoist might argue that switching the track to save oneself from guilt or social repercussions aligns with personal interest. Conversely, they may abstain if the action risks personal harm or legal consequences. In the second scenario, pushing a man off the bridge is less likely to be justified unless it directly benefits the egoist, perhaps by gaining admiration or avoiding guilt, which is less probable. Generally, ethical egoists prioritize decisions that minimally harm themselves, even if that means choosing inaction or non-intervention.

Utilitarianism's Response

Utilitarianism, especially act utilitarianism, evaluates morality based on the action that maximizes overall happiness or well-being. In the first scenario, an act utilitarian would endorse switching tracks because it results in the greatest net happiness—saving four lives at the cost of one. The morality hinges on the outcome rather than intentions or intrinsic rights. In the second scenario, the utilitarian would likely support pushing the man off the bridge if it prevents the death of four people and produces the greatest overall good. The focus remains on the consequence, disregarding the moral qualms about actively causing harm, emphasizing the promotion of the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Personal Positions and Moral Justifications

Personally, I would opt to reroute the train in the first scenario, as it aligns with the utilitarian principle of minimizing harm and maximizing collective well-being. The deliberate choice to switch tracks constitutes a passive form of intervention that results in fewer casualties, and I believe this action is morally justifiable because it produces a net positive outcome. In the second scenario, I would refrain from pushing the man off the bridge. Although sacrificing one to save four maximizes overall happiness, I find actively causing harm to be morally unacceptable, as it violates the principle of respecting human dignity and bodily integrity. The moral logic here draws from deontological considerations, emphasizing the intrinsic wrongness of actively causing harm, regardless of the utilitarian benefits.

Comparison with Ethical Egoism and Utilitarianism

My responses align with utilitarianism in that I favor actions that produce the greatest good, such as rerouting the train to save the most lives and abstaining from pushing the man off the bridge due to the immorality of actively causing harm. Ethical egoism would differ significantly; an egoist might only intervene if it benefits themselves, which might lead to non-intervention or even self-serving actions. For example, avoiding involvement in either scenario could be justified if it reduces personal risk or responsibility. This contrast highlights how egoism centers on self-interest rather than collective well-being, often leading to morally permissible but less altruistic choices, whereas utilitarianism emphasizes the moral worth of actions based on outcomes affecting everyone involved.

Strengths and Weaknesses of My Positions

My utilitarian approach’s strength lies in its pragmatic assessment of consequences, aiming to maximize happiness and reduce suffering. It provides a clear moral rationale that guides decision-making in complex dilemmas. However, its weakness involves potential justifications for morally questionable acts if they lead to a perceived greater good, such as sacrificing individual rights for the greater number. Conversely, my hesitancy to push the man off the bridge stems from deontological considerations, which uphold moral duties and respect for persons. The downside is that this stance might lead to morally worse outcomes, such as permitting four deaths if I strictly adhere to non-violence. Balancing these perspectives reveals the difficulty in resolving such dilemmas definitively, emphasizing the importance of contextual judgment and moral integrity.

Conclusion

The trolley problem underscores the complexity of ethical decision-making, especially when outcomes conflict with moral intuitions. Analyzing it through egoism and utilitarianism demonstrates divergent priorities—self-interest versus collective happiness. Personally, I lean towards utilitarian principles, choosing to reroute the train but rejecting active harm. This approach respects the importance of maximizing overall well-being while safeguarding individual moral rights. Ultimately, moral reasoning in such dilemmas depends on one's values regarding harm, duty, and the greater good, illustrating the nuanced landscape of applied ethics.

References

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