Full Version: Moral Inconsistencies
Below are some thought experiments for you to evaluate. Since these are thought experiments, realism is not requirement. They are intended to illuminate, elucidate and generally conjure some interesting moral positions. Note that I do not believe there's a right or wrong answer for these questions.
1. An automated train is heading down tracks towards a Y split. At one end of the Y is a family of 5; at the other end is a single man. If the train continues on its heading, it will take the Y path which will hit and kill the family of 5. You happen to be standing near a lever which can switch to the other Y. By pulling this lever you understand that the train will hit and kill the single man. What do you do?
2. An automated train is heading down tracks towards a family of 5. If the trains continues on its course, it will hit and kill the family. A large, single man is standing next to the tracks. By pushing the man in front of the train, you know that either the train will derail or slow down enough for the family to get out of the way, thereby saving the family and killing the man. What do you do?
Are the answers to these 2 questions the same or different? Why? Note that there are other variants of these thought experiments which can be used to discuss varying degrees of moral inconsistency (or consistency).
1. An automated train is heading down tracks towards a Y split. At one end of the Y is a family of 5; at the other end is a single man. If the train continues on its heading, it will take the Y path which will hit and kill the family of 5. You happen to be standing near a lever which can switch to the other Y. By pulling this lever you understand that the train will hit and kill the single man. What do you do?
2. An automated train is heading down tracks towards a family of 5. If the trains continues on its course, it will hit and kill the family. A large, single man is standing next to the tracks. By pushing the man in front of the train, you know that either the train will derail or slow down enough for the family to get out of the way, thereby saving the family and killing the man. What do you do?
Are the answers to these 2 questions the same or different? Why? Note that there are other variants of these thought experiments which can be used to discuss varying degrees of moral inconsistency (or consistency).
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Topic closed...</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Reason: Question to debate too vague or missing.<br /><br />Recommended action: If you started this topic, please contact the staff member who closed it by clicking the PM button below this post with a clear question to debate.<br /><br />Helpful links:<br />- Starting New Topics<br />- Survival Guide<br />- The Rules<br />- Staff Directory</td></tr><tr><td class='darkrow1'><div align='center'>Note: This is an automated response.</div></td></tr></table></div>
Topic closed...</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Reason: Question to debate too vague or missing.<br /><br />Recommended action: If you started this topic, please contact the staff member who closed it by clicking the PM button below this post with a clear question to debate.<br /><br />Helpful links:<br />- Starting New Topics<br />- Survival Guide<br />- The Rules<br />- Staff Directory</td></tr><tr><td class='darkrow1'><div align='center'>Note: This is an automated response.</div></td></tr></table></div>
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