Question 1

In the "Bystander's Three Options" case, what do you think the bystander should do? Do you think the bystander must sacrifice herself? Is it okay for the bystander to choose for the other person to die instead? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the "Bystander's Three Options" case, what...

Question 2

Explain how Thomson's intuitions about the trolley case are different now that an option for self-sacrifice is added to the case. What is her answer to the trolley case now that she has considered it in this light? Do you agree with her new analysis? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how Thomson's intuitions about the trolley...

Question 3

Can you think of other cases where you might have to sacrifice one person to save five other people's lives? Write up a case similar to the "Bystander's Two Options" in which you have the option to let one person die to save the lives of five others. Could you ever be justified in sacrificing a person to save the lives of others?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Can you think of other cases where...

Question 4

Would Thomson's analysis of the case differ if the bystander could communicate with the others involved? Would it, for example, matter if the bystander had permission to divert the track? How might the possibility of communication change the analysis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Would Thomson's analysis of the case differ...

Question 5

After reflecting on the cases, and how you would act, consider what you would say to the family members of those who die. Suppose Thomson would herself take option (i) doing nothing and letting the five die. What should she say to the family members of the five who die? Should we even consider how we would explain our actions to others after the fact? Or is that morally irrelevant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of After reflecting on the cases, and how...

Quiz 55: Turning the Trolley Judith Jarvis Thomson

In the "Bystander's Three Options" case, what do you think the bystander should do? Do you think the bystander must sacrifice herself? Is it okay for the bystander to choose for the other person to die instead? Why or why not?

Explain how Thomson's intuitions about the trolley case are different now that an option for self-sacrifice is added to the case. What is her answer to the trolley case now that she has considered it in this light? Do you agree with her new analysis? Why or why not?

Would Thomson's analysis of the case differ if the bystander could communicate with the others involved? Would it, for example, matter if the bystander had permission to divert the track? How might the possibility of communication change the analysis?