"One of the most well known thought experiments in the field of ethics is the “Trolley Problem,” which goes something like this: a madman has tied five innocent people to a trolley track. An out of control trolley car is careening toward them, and is moments away from running them over. Luckily, you can pull a lever and divert the trolley to another track. The only problem is that the madman has also tied a single person to that track. Considering the circumstances, should you pull the lever?"

What would you do? Please explain why in your answer as well.

Pull the lever. I'd rather have 1 person die, than five.

And who knows, the madman could be the one tied to the other track. Ya never know.

__________________
Hope sucks. In your face, Yoshi.
t(-.-t)

Pull the lever. In most cases, five lives weigh more than one. Of course, if it was someone I knew and cared about, it might be different.

There are plenty of variables worth considering for me, mostly who else is involved in the situation.

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Between the trees and falling leaves, I see my path
of peace.

Yes you pull the lever. You safe five lives. You save an extra four families grief and maybe it gets stuck while switching or some other miracle. Or you could put on your costume in a phonebooth and save the day at the last second.

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Receptionist:There's a Lt. Crunch here to see you. Gus:Crunch? Shawn:Actually, I've been promoted. It's Captain Crunch

And it also could've been the president.

Why would you destroy five lives so save one just because you knew that one. A bit selfish if you ask me.

The President's body guards wouldn't allow the madman to even get in close proximity to the President, so he's safe.

__________________
Hope sucks. In your face, Yoshi.
t(-.-t)

It's hypothetical. The madman also wouldn't tie himself to the rail either.

Assuming it could be the president is fine.

... True that.
But he IS mad... so he could have tied himself to it...

__________________
Hope sucks. In your face, Yoshi.
t(-.-t)

That doesn't matter to the problem. I was just stating it could be the president.

Okay.. So if it's not clear who is in each of the tracks, I think everyone would answer the same way... Dont'cha think?

__________________
Hope sucks. In your face, Yoshi.
t(-.-t)