The trolley problem

Definition

The trolley problem is a thought experiment in ethics that explores the moral implications of making decisions that involve sacrificing one life to save others. It presents a scenario where a person must choose between pulling a lever to redirect a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill one person instead of five, raising questions about utilitarianism, moral responsibility, and the value of human life. This dilemma is particularly relevant in discussions about autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, as it forces us to consider how machines might make ethical choices in life-and-death situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The trolley problem illustrates the conflict between utilitarian ethics and deontological ethics, with utilitarianism favoring actions that result in the greatest good for the greatest number.
2. Different variations of the trolley problem exist, including scenarios where the individual must push a person onto the tracks to stop the trolley, highlighting the complexity of moral decisions.
3. In discussions about autonomous vehicles, the trolley problem raises questions about how self-driving cars should be programmed to respond in emergency situations involving potential harm to pedestrians or passengers.
4. The trolley problem prompts debates about whether it is morally acceptable to sacrifice one life to save many, challenging our intuitions about personal responsibility and collective welfare.
5. The dilemma has been widely used in philosophical discussions, psychological experiments, and even popular culture to explore human morality and decision-making under pressure.

Review Questions

• How does the trolley problem challenge our understanding of moral responsibility in decision-making?
  • The trolley problem challenges our understanding of moral responsibility by forcing individuals to confront difficult choices where their actions can lead to significant consequences. It highlights the tension between taking an active role in altering outcomes versus being a passive observer. In making these choices, individuals must consider not only the immediate results but also the broader implications of their decisions on human life and ethical principles.
• Discuss how variations of the trolley problem can inform ethical programming for autonomous systems.
  • Variations of the trolley problem can inform ethical programming for autonomous systems by presenting different scenarios that simulate real-world dilemmas these systems may face. For example, programming an autonomous vehicle involves making decisions about whom to protect in accident scenarios. By analyzing responses from different versions of the trolley problem, developers can better understand public sentiment on moral trade-offs and design algorithms that align with societal values while considering potential liabilities and responsibilities.
• Evaluate the impact of the trolley problem on contemporary discussions regarding artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its ethical implications.
  • The trolley problem significantly impacts contemporary discussions regarding AGI by raising essential questions about how such systems should make ethical decisions autonomously. As AGI develops capabilities that mirror human decision-making processes, understanding moral frameworks becomes critical. Evaluating how AGI might navigate dilemmas like those presented by the trolley problem leads to broader considerations about programming ethics into machines, accountability for their actions, and potential societal consequences when machines are faced with life-and-death decisions. This ongoing dialogue pushes for comprehensive guidelines on integrating ethics into AI development.

Related terms

Utilitarianism:

An ethical theory that advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness or utility, often used as a framework to analyze decisions in the trolley problem.

Moral Responsibility:

The status of being accountable for one's actions, particularly regarding the ethical implications of decisions made in scenarios like the trolley problem.

Autonomous Systems: Systems capable of performing tasks without human intervention, raising ethical questions about decision-making and accountability in critical situations.