Multiple Choice Quiz

Thomson reports that when confronted with the Trolley Driver case, where the driver can turn the trolley onto the track with one to save the five:

everybody thinks it is morally permissible to turn.

some people think it is morally required to turn.

both a and b.

neither a nor b.

Thomson reports that when confronted with Fat Man, where one can push the one to save the five:

some think it is morally permissible to push.

everyone thinks it is morally impermissible to push.

some think that pushing is morally required.

none of the above.

Thomson claims that it is not obvious that if in order to get the switch thrown, the bystander must use a sharply pointed tool, and the only available sharply pointed tool is a nailfile that belongs to the one:

it is permissible to throw the switch.

it is impermissible to throw the switch.

throwing the switch is required.

throwing the switch is supererogatory.

Thomson claims that we can solve the trolley problem by:

relying on the distinction between "killing" and "letting die."

relying on the notion of using someone as a "mere means."

relying on the concept of a "right."

none of the above

According to Thomson, one way to test if we are using someone, X, as a mere means is by asking:

If X had gone out of existence would I be able to perform the act?

If X had not consented would I be able to perform the act?

If X could not consent would I be able to perform the act?

If X could not rationally consent would I be able to perform the act?

Thomson maintains that if one would infringe a right by acting:

it is sufficient justification for acting that one would thereby maximize utility.

it is not sufficient justification for acting that one would thereby maximize utility.

it is necessary justification for acting that one would thereby maximize utility.

it is not necessary justification for acting that one would thereby maximize utility.

Thomson notes that the bystander does not make something be a threat to people which would otherwise not be a threat to anyone; rather:

he makes be a threat to fewer what is already a threat to more.

he makes be a threat to more what was a threat to a few.

he introduces a new threat to fewer to prevent an existing threat to many.

he introduces a new threat to many to prevent an existing threat to a few.

According to Thomson, the right to not be toppled off a footbridge onto a trolley track is:

illusory.

a weak right.

a moderately strong right.

a stringent right.

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