TROLLEY PROBLEM
The trolley problem presents two cases. In the first version, a runaway trolley will kill five people on the track. We can only save these people by pulling the switch. Nevertheless, pulling the switch kill one person. The puzzle is whether we should pull the switch or not. In the second situation, a trolley will kill five individuals on the track if it is not diverted. However, pushing a stranger on the track will save these people because his body will intercept the trolley from running over the five individuals. The trolley will eventually kill him. The dilemma in this case is whether we should push the stranger or not. The answer to both versions is yes because there is loss of life, but it is better to save many lives than saving one life.
Immanuel Kant is a famous philosopher who people see as a leading character of the present philosophy. He contends that people should behave in a way that endorses humanity as an end but not to meet particular objections. According to him, we cannot treat logical beings as devices so that we can meet specific goals. We should regard them as an end in themselves and we should respect their wise reason. Kant claims that we should forbid some acts such as murder, misappropriation, and dishonesty whether they bring happiness
When we use Kant’s ethics to the two problems, we should consider two questions. Firstly, whether it is logically legitimate for every individual to function in a similar manner. Secondly, whether the act validates humanity and not taking advantage of people to achieve particular goals. If the answer to these questions is no, we should evade the activity. In both trolley versions, pulling the switch and pushing the person would kill one person and save five. These deeds mean that we use people to achieve an end which is preventing the loss of five people. Kant cannot accept these actions.
Utilitarian ethics is a philosophy that Jeremy Bentham and Stuart Mill develop. The philosophy emphasize on outcome of any act, pain or happiness. According to utilitarian the right act is one which derives significant happiness or pain to the masses. Consequence for any action that we take is not for one person but for everyone. In respect to the utilitarian theory we can contend that pulling the switch and pushing the stranger over brings more happiness to many people. Although the actions will cause a lot of pain to some people, a great number of people will derive pleasure from the actions of pulling the switch or pushing the stranger. Utilitarian therefore, will give a go ahead of doing these acts.
In conclusion, both theories have merits and demerits but I will go with the Utilitarian. Though others may see the theory as oppressing the minority, this theory helps people to derive great joy which is necessary some situations. The current trolley problem is a perfect example of this theory. We sacrifice one person so that we can save five individuals