Study Questions

  1. What two cases comprise the “trolley problem”? What verdicts do people typically give regarding these cases? Do you agree with these verdicts? Why or why not?
  2. What two principles did Foot propose in response to the trolley problem? What counterintuitive consequence of these principles does Thomson point out? Do you find the principles plausible? Why or why not?
  3. What is Thomson’s solution to the trolley problem? What is her argument for this solution? Do you think her argument is sound? Defend your answer.
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