Trolley Problem

Definition

The Trolley Problem is a philosophical thought experiment that explores the ethical implications of making decisions that affect the lives of others. In this scenario, a person must choose between pulling a lever to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill one person instead of five who are on the current track. This dilemma raises questions about utilitarianism, where the best action maximizes overall happiness, and consequentialism, which focuses on the outcomes of actions, especially in the context of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Trolley Problem illustrates a classic conflict between utilitarian ethics and deontological ethics, where the former focuses on outcomes and the latter emphasizes rules and duties.
2. In AI ethics, the Trolley Problem is used to discuss how autonomous systems should make decisions in life-and-death scenarios, raising concerns about programming values into machines.
3. Different variations of the Trolley Problem exist, including scenarios with different numbers of people or personal connections to those involved, affecting moral intuitions.
4. The Trolley Problem also raises issues related to consent and accountability, questioning who is responsible for the consequences of an AI's decision.
5. Critics argue that the Trolley Problem oversimplifies complex moral issues and may not reflect real-world decision-making in technology and AI.

Review Questions

• How does the Trolley Problem illustrate the principles of utilitarianism and consequentialism in ethical decision-making?
  • The Trolley Problem exemplifies utilitarianism by presenting a scenario where one must choose an action that results in the greatest overall good, which often means sacrificing one life to save five. It also demonstrates consequentialism by focusing on the outcomes of the decision—whether to pull the lever or not—and evaluating the morality of actions based on their results. This thought experiment forces individuals to weigh the benefits of saving more lives against the moral implications of actively causing harm.
• What implications does the Trolley Problem have for designing ethical guidelines in artificial intelligence systems?
  • The Trolley Problem raises critical questions about how AI systems should be programmed to handle life-and-death situations. It challenges developers to consider what ethical principles should guide decision-making in autonomous vehicles or medical AI. The scenario prompts discussions about integrating human values into algorithms, ensuring accountability for AI actions, and determining who is responsible for decisions made by machines when they face dilemmas similar to the Trolley Problem.
• Evaluate how variations of the Trolley Problem can affect public perceptions of artificial intelligence and its role in society.
  • Different variations of the Trolley Problem can shape public perceptions of AI by highlighting the complexities involved in machine decision-making. For instance, scenarios where personal relationships or varying degrees of connection to victims are introduced can evoke stronger emotional reactions and ethical considerations. This evaluation illustrates how AI is perceived not only as a tool but as an entity that can influence human lives. Thus, understanding these variations is crucial for addressing societal concerns about trust, accountability, and moral responsibility regarding AI technology.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that suggests the best action is one that maximizes utility, typically defined as maximizing happiness and reducing suffering.

Consequentialism:

An ethical framework that judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based solely on its outcomes or consequences.

Moral Dilemma: A situation in which a person must choose between conflicting moral principles, often leading to difficult ethical decisions.