Conceptual Foundation of the Trolley Problem
The trolley problem, a classic ethical dilemma, involves a hypothetical scenario where a runaway trolley is headed toward five people. The decision-maker must choose whether to divert it to a track with one person, sacrificing one life to save five. This thought experiment contrasts utilitarianism (prioritizing outcomes) and deontology (adhering to moral duties). Philosophers like Philippa Foot and Judith Jarvis Thomson used it to explore the doctrine of double effect—distinguishing between intended harm and foreseen but unintended consequences.
