Do You Think It Is Morally Acceptable to Turn the Trolley

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Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The ethical dilemma presented in the trolley problem raises complex moral questions. Whether it is morally acceptable to turn the trolley and save five lives while sacrificing one depends on one's ethical framework.

If I were to answer no, it may be because I adhere to a deontological ethical perspective, which emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties. In this case, actively causing harm to one person, even if it means saving five others, may be seen as morally impermissible.

On the other hand, if I were to answer yes, it may be because I subscribe to a consequentialist ethical perspective, which prioritizes the outcome or consequences of an action. From this viewpoint, sacrificing one life to save five may be considered morally justifiable because it results in the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

However, when it comes to the scenario of a surgeon killing one person to save five, the ethical considerations become more complex. In the medical context, the principle of "do no harm" is paramount, and intentionally causing harm to a patient goes against the core principles of medical ethics. Therefore, from a medical ethics standpoint, it would not be acceptable for a surgeon to intentionally kill one patient to save five others.

In conclusion, the moral acceptability of these scenarios is subjective and depends on one's ethical beliefs and principles. The trolley problem and the surgeon scenario highlight the challenging nature of ethical decision-making and the need to carefully consider the implications of our actions on others.

Do You Think It Is Morally Acceptable to Turn the Trolley

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