The Classic Trolley Problem

Scenario Story: A trolley is running on the tracks. On the path the trolley is currently on, five people are tied up and unable to move. The trolley is about to run them over. You are standing next to a lever that can change the trolley's track. If you pull this lever, the trolley will switch to another track. However, there is one person tied up on that other track as well. You have two options: •Do nothing, and let the trolley run over the five people on its normal course. •Pull the lever, change tracks, and have the trolley run over the one person on the other track. -------------------------------------------------------------- The Core Logic: Can human lives be measured by quantity? •When you choose to pull the lever (Utilitarianism) "Pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number" In extreme situations, the value of human lives can be added or subtracted. The sum of suffering and loss for 5 lives is greater than for 1 life. •When you choose not to pull the lever (Kantianism) The value of life is infinite and sacred, and infinity cannot be mathematically compared. (5 × ∞ is not greater than 1 × ∞). Everyone has inalienable human rights, and a minority cannot be sacrificed to save the majority.