1. This week, we look at the trolley problem, which is a well known moral dilemm
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Question
1. This week, we look at the trolley problem, which is a well known moral dilemma: you see that a trolley is about to hit 5 workers but, while you cannot warn them, you can turn a switch which will turn the trolley to an alternate track, but there, there's still one worker. 1 fatality is less than 5. Should do you do? In your first post, explain what you would do, why, and briefly, explain which moral theory you think you're applying when you reason to your answer. Why is that the correct moral theory to apply in this case? Your first post is due by Wednesday at 5pm. While l encourage you to type your post into a word processor to check for spelling and grammar errors, please don't "attach" simply copy/paste your issue into the discussion box. Forum responses should be 150-200 words, and include a "references" or "works cited" section.Explanation / Answer
In this ethical dilemma, the person, if he does nothing, the trolley would kill 5 people. Whereas, if he turns on the switch, the trolley would be diverted such that it would move towards the single person who is present on another track. The person is in dilemma, since he is not able to decide if he should save the life of one person or save the lives of 5 people. Employing the utilitarian ethics, the person should be turning on the switch and saving 5 people over 1. This is justified by the utilitarian perspective, which states that any action promoted by a person should be such that it should promote the good of maximum number of people. In this case, saving 5 would mean promoting the good for 5 people, which is greater than 1 person. Since, this act saves more number of people, it would be the better option. Since, killing anyone or being responsible for the death of anyone is anyway wrong, it would be better to chose to save 5 and let one go, to be less morally wrong.
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