What is the Trolley Problem?

Transcript

The Trolley Problem is a moral dilemma in ethics wherein one must choose between two harmful outcomes: diverting a runaway trolley to save five people at the cost of one life or allowing the trolley to continue on its current path, resulting in the deaths of five. It explores the conflict between utilitarianism, which prioritizes the greater good, and deontological ethics, which values moral rules against causing harm directly.

This thought experiment raises fundamental questions about morality and ethical decision-making in high-stakes situations.