Study Questions

  1. According to Thomson, part of what distinguishes Bystander at the Switch fromTransplant is the means by which the saving is accomplished. What difference in the means taken does Thompson point to? Do you think that this difference makes a moral difference? Defend your answer.
  2. Thomson asserts that using someone as a means only cannot help with the Trolley Problem. What is her argument for this assertion? Do you agree with her? Why or why not?
  3. Thomson often claims that “rights trump utilities.” What do she mean by this metaphor? Do you find this to be a compelling picture of rights? Explain your answer.
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