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What does a question like the Trolley Problem teach us?
The trolley problem is a question of human morality, and an example of a philosophical view called consequentialism. This view says that morality is defined by the consequences of an action, and that the consequences are all that matter. It’s a question of human morality.
What was Socrates advice?
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” “I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.” “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” One of the finest minds in ancient philosophy, Socrates believed in an ethical system based on human logic and reason.
How would a utilitarian respond to the Trolley Problem?
In all the trolley scenarios, utilitarians would favor whatever option in which the greater numbers of lives are saved. The moral value of an action is not in its intrinsic nature, but rather in its consequences.
What is the moral difference between the the Trolley Problem and the Fat man problem?
In numerical terms, the two situations are identical. A strict utilitarian, concerned only with the greatest happiness of the greatest number, would see no difference: In each case, one person dies to save five. Yet people seem to feel differently about the “Fat Man” case.
What are the 3 teachings of Socrates?
These principles are what Socrates thought were the most important goals of philosophy.
- Discover and Pursue Your Life’s Purpose. Strive to discover who you are, what is your life mission, and what you are trying to become.
- Care for your soul.
- Be a good person and you will not be harmed by outside forces.
What would Deontologist say about the Trolley Problem?
Deontological theory was born from the famous philosopher, Immanuel Kant. In deontology, one rule is chosen that becomes the universal law. The ends never justify the means. In the case of the trolley problem, this would mean that the conductor must choose one metric for fairness that they never break.
How would deontology respond to the Trolley Problem?
A deontologist would further argue that killing is never acceptable — it would be immoral to pull the lever to kill on (in the above case pulling the lever would be considered actively killing the person) , even if that meant allowing the trolley to continue on its course to kill 100 people.