Thomson on the Trolley Problem

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from Thomson's discussion on the Trolley Problem.

Trolley Problem

A moral dilemma involving a choice between causing harm to one person to save multiple others.

Articulation of the philosophical puzzle

The clear expression of the moral dilemma that needs to be addressed.

Foot’s Theses (I)

Killing one is worse than letting five die.

Foot’s Theses (II)

Killing five is worse than killing one.

Counter-example

An example that contradicts or challenges a given thesis or theory.

Redirecting harm

Changing the target of an existing threat to minimize harm.

Moral status

The consideration of the ethical implications of actions toward individuals.

Negligent doctor

A doctor who fails to take proper care, leading to potential harm.

Footbridge Variant

A scenario in the Trolley Problem where one must choose to push a person to save others.

Moral principle

A fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Ellipses in quoting

A punctuation mark (…) used to indicate omitted text.

The LOOP Variant

A variation of the Trolley Problem where an individual's size can stop the trolley.

Permissible actions

Actions deemed acceptable from a moral or ethical standpoint.

Rights violation

An action that infringes on an individual's legal or moral entitlements.

Causal relation

A relationship where one event or action directly leads to another.

Moral relation

An ethical context that determines the righteousness of an action.

Redirecting lethal fumes

Changing the course of harmful gases to protect multiple lives.

Moral implications

The ethical consequences resulting from one's actions.