World Philosophy Day 2023: The Trolley
Happy World Philosophy Day!
Here is a resource based on one of the most famous dilemmas in moral philosophy: The Trolley Problem. For teachers, here’s the plan:
1. Show your students the two-minute video clip.
2. Ask them to think about and write down their response and supporting reasons (in silence helps with focus).
3. Split the class into groups of 3-4 and ask them to share and discuss their responses and reasons (a few minutes should suffice).
4. Move into full group discussion – hands up to speak, one person speaks at a time.
5. Record key ideas on the board and encourage students to respond to each other’s arguments.
6. To finish off the discussion, ask for final thoughts – has anybody changed their mind? Was there a particularly powerful argument given? What do the responses to the dilemma tell us about making moral decisions?
Extra information can be given about responses from philosophers to the trolley problem. Here are the basics but there’s plenty out there on the internet if students would like to research further:
Over the years, this scenario has sparked a wide range of responses and discussions from philosophers. Some of the notable perspectives and responses include:
· Utilitarians argue that the morally right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or minimizes overall suffering. In the context of the Trolley Problem, this would mean sacrificing one person to save a greater number.
· Deontologists, such as Immanuel Kant, emphasize the importance of following moral rules and duties. Some argue that intentionally causing harm, even for a greater good, is inherently wrong, and thus, diverting the trolley may be seen as morally impermissible.
· Virtue ethicists focus on the development of good character traits. Responses from this perspective may emphasize the importance of cultivating virtues like courage and compassion, with the decision depending on the individual's character and virtues.