Dilemma 1 of 5

The switch

The case that started it: Philippa Foot, 1967.

main line · 5 peoplesiding · 1 personyou
Fig. 1The switch5 threatened · 1 sacrificedbrakes have failed · trolley approaching

A runaway trolley is hurtling down the track, and you are a bystander standing beside the tracks. Ahead on the main track, there are 5 people who cannot get out of the way. You are standing next to a lever. If you pull it, the trolley will be diverted onto a side track, where there is 1 person who also cannot escape.

Do you pull the lever?

There is no right answer. Your choice stays in this browser.