Week 8: Trolley Problem Ethical Dilemma Flashcards
What are the two cases presented in this dilemma?
Case A: Switch train onto other track, killing one worker instead of the 5 on the original track
Case B: You’re on a bridge above the track and can push a heavy man onto the track below which will kill him but save everyone else by stopping the train
What two ethical theories does this dilemma pit against each other?
Mill’s Utilitarianism: Approves of exchanging one life for five
Kant’s formalism: Objects to taking any life, and would let train continue in both cases
What is the common ground between Case A and B?
You are killing one person to save 5
Although technically the same result, what do most people believe is the most ethical case to selecte when posed with this dilemma?
Case A - switch the train
What is the difference between Case A and B?
Case A - harm is unintentional and indirect (worker has chance to jump off track)
Case B - harm is intentional and almost certain
What should you as an engineer do when faced with “horrifying” situations which have two equally bad alternatives?
Never accept their inevitability, but strive to find a third option where everyone escapes
What area of engineering has the issue of an ethical dilemma already come up in? What guidance has been given?
Software engineering with the programming of autonomous cars which could be faced with a situation where the safety of one person may only be protected at the cost of another person.
Requirement has been issued that ethical judgements and decisions are made consciously and intentionally
What example of an ethical dilemma was give in regards to WW2 and the bombing of London?
When the Germans bombed London with the V-1 and V-2 Bombs, Churchill came up with a plan to give out misleading information that the Germans were bombing just north of London (In reality they were hitting South London). Since the bombs came from south of England, such information meant they would hit less populated areas south of London where casualties would be fewer. Some in Churchill’s cabinet did not agree - but Churchill went ahead with it anyhow.
This is a case of utilitarianism where the greatest good is considered
