C-021Rossian Pluralism vs. ConsequentialismConfidence: Medium
Turning the Trolley
Thomson (2008)
One-Sentence Thesis
The trolley problem raises questions about the morality of killing versus letting die, and the principles that guide our judgments about what actions are permissible or impermissible.
Argument Outline
- 1Introduction to the trolley problem and its origins
- 2Description of Judge's Two Options and Driver's Two Options
- 3Foot's proposed principles: Letting Five Die Vs. Killing One Principle and Killing Five Vs. Killing One Principle
- 4Challenges to Foot's principles, including the case of Bystander's Two Options
- 5Introduction of Philippa Foot's problem and the need for an alternative explanation
Key Distinctions
Killing versus letting die
Negative duties (non-interference) versus positive duties (aid)
The role of intention and action in moral judgments
Key Terms
Letting Five Die Vs. Killing One Principle
The principle that it is impermissible to kill one person to save the lives of others
Killing Five Vs. Killing One Principle
The principle that it is permissible to kill one person to save the lives of others
Negative duties
Duties of non-interference, or the duty not to harm others
Positive duties
Duties of aid, or the duty to help others
Flashcards
36 cardsRelated Questions
3
In Thomson's "Turning the Trolley", Foot proposes which of the following?
4
Which of the following does Thomson responds to in "Turning the Trolley"?
4
Which of the following does Thomson contrasts with in "Turning the Trolley"?
3
In Thomson's "Turning the Trolley", Philippa Foot criticizes which of the following?
4
In Thomson's "Turning the Trolley", Philippa Foot defines which of the following?
3
In Thomson's "Turning the Trolley", Friedman criticizes which of the following?