The Trolley Problem Described in Your Text Has Many Variations

question 33

Essay

The trolley problem described in your text has many variations. One of them goes as follows: "You are a surgeon and have five patients who each need a different organ transplant. No acceptable donor for any of them can be found, until one day a healthy traveler comes into your office and is the perfect donor for all five patients. Are there any circumstances under which it would be morally acceptable to kill this person to save the lives of five others?" Based on the study of Greene and colleagues, which areas of your brain did you likely use when thinking about this ethical dilemma?

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Definitions:

Constraints

Limitations or restrictions that affect the planning, process, or outcome of a project or operation.

Optimum

The most favorable condition or level for growth, reproduction, or efficiency.

Minimize

The act of making something as small or as insignificant as possible.

Optimum

The condition or degree of an outcome that is most favorable or efficient for a specific purpose.