When I came across this week's prompt, I thought this would be something easy to write on. Because we have been asked about the 'trolley problem' science in our childhood. I can remember, my parents said, it's better to make less trouble than cause bigger chaos.
To be honest, I never thought in-depth about this problem, as in my mind, I already knew what to do, as my parents said. And it sounded morally correct to me also.
While thinking deeply about "my choice to switch the track and kill a single person instead, or you can decide to do nothing at all", I can to understand that it's not a yes-no question at all. Because it comes with many consequences and depends on many variables.
For example-
I would first think about what those 5 people are that I could save.
Who is the single person on the different track who I have to kill?
What will happen if I do nothing? And is it morally correct to just let it happen?
My answer would probably be...
There's no concrete answer to the question, to me. Because I would consider many things if I get a few seconds.
The first thing that came to my mind was, if the single person that I have to kill is my loved one. I would probably sacrifice others' lives in that scenario if, in the single track, there were my children, my parents, and other close family members.
I would choose the same if the 5 people would be my closest and the single one is a stranger. If the single one is one of my children then I would even sacrifice the other 5.
On the other hand, if all are strangers then as I have said earlier I would choose to cause less damage and pull the lever to kill one person to save others.
I would probably not sit still and let things happen in any given scenario. All because if I have the chance to cause less damage, save someone, or help others with my action I would always choose to do so rather than let it happen.
After writing to this point, I was thinking, how complicated this single question is!
I might sound selfish to you as I have always talked about my family and children. Their life may not be precious to others, they may not add much value like the prime minister but they are valuable to me.
I'm not sure if this question has any Morally correct answer. It's not a black-and-white type of scenario and I'm sure our 'usual moral' would not work in this case.
I strongly believe, we should live with our own decision and carry our responsibilities. No matter what we choose, life comes with consequences and we must deal with the aftereffects accordingly.
Although I didn't face this severe trolly problem and did not have to deal with this level of moral dilemma. But we often face something that needs much care and thoughtfulness to deal with. Also, I often make a decision and later think about different scenarios about how I could deal with that in a better way.
So the moral dilemma will always be there. We have to be mindful of progress.
Thanks to the Thoughtfuldaily community for this prompt. It was thought-provoking and allowed me to think in-depth about this.
Your @peacefulsoul
