The Trolley Problem

The Trolley Problem is a highly debated moral philosophy puzzle that has become a cultural phenomenon. This volume offers new chapters on various topics, including its formulation, moral theory evaluation, neuroscience, and social psychology, written by leading experts. It is valuable for students and scholars studying the problem's intellectual significance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Trolley Problem is a highly debated and contentious puzzle in contemporary moral philosophy, which has also gained significant cultural traction over the past half-century. It has been the subject of scientific experiments, online polls, television programs, computer games, and numerous popular books. This comprehensive volume presents newly authored chapters on various topics, such as the formulation and standard variations of the Trolley Problem, the evaluation of different moral theories, the neuroscience and social psychology of moral behavior, and the application of thought experiments to real-life moral dilemmas. The chapters are authored by renowned experts in moral theory, applied philosophy, neuroscience, and social psychology, including several influential figures who have shaped the ongoing debates surrounding the Trolley Problem. This volume is of immense value to students and scholars engaged in exploring the complexities of the Trolley Problem and its profound intellectual significance.

The Trolley Problem is a thought experiment that presents a scenario where a person must make a difficult decision between saving a group of people or letting a trolley run over them. The experiment has been widely discussed and debated in moral philosophy, psychology, and other fields, as it raises complex ethical questions about the nature of morality and the principles that guide our actions.

One of the key aspects of the Trolley Problem is the moral dilemma it presents. The person is faced with a choice between two options: saving the group of people by pulling a lever that will divert the trolley away from them or letting the trolley run over them, killing a single person. Many people struggle with this decision, as it requires them to make a choice that goes against their natural instincts and values. Some people argue that it is morally wrong to let the trolley run over the people, as it is a form of murder. They believe that we have a moral obligation to protect innocent lives and that we should always act to prevent harm. On the other hand, some people argue that it is morally right to save the group of people by pulling the lever. They believe that the lives of the many outweigh the life of the one, and that we should prioritize the well-being of the collective over the individual.

Another important aspect of the Trolley Problem is the psychological factors that influence our decision-making. Research has shown that people are more likely to choose the option that involves saving the group of people when they are presented with a group of people they identify with, such as their family or friends. This is known as the "bystander effect," where people are less likely to act to help someone in need when they are surrounded by others who are not actively helping. Additionally, people are more likely to choose the option that involves saving the group of people when they are under time pressure or when they believe that their actions will have a significant impact on the outcome.

The Trolley Problem has also been the subject of scientific experiments and research. Researchers have used various methods, such as brain imaging and behavioral analysis, to study the neural and psychological processes that underlie our decision-making in situations like the Trolley Problem. These studies have shed light on the ways in which our emotions, values, and cognitive biases can influence our moral judgments and behavior.

In conclusion, the Trolley Problem is a thought experiment that presents a complex ethical dilemma. It raises questions about the nature of morality, the principles that guide our actions, and the psychological factors that influence our decision-making. The experiment has been widely discussed and debated in moral philosophy, psychology, and other fields, and has also been the subject of scientific experiments and research. While there is no definitive answer to the Trolley Problem, it serves as a valuable tool for exploring the complexities of moral judgment and behavior.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 244 x 170 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009255592