I love the trolley problem.
I love it because it’s a simple thought experiment that uncovers the complexity of real-life ethical dilemmas. It’s lose-lose, no matter what we pick. We are guilty, whether or not we took action.
Although studied deeply at a personal level in academia, the trolley problem is also a dilemma for leadership — community, company, nation, beer-league hockey team, whatever. Most times, when leadership makes a decision, some will benefit, and others will suffer.
As a leader, how do we determine which of the two non-ideal outcomes is better? And as a member of the group, how do we show empathy towards leadership and the other members?
Here is the original construct:
A runaway trolley is barreling down the tracks. Ahead, on the tracks, five people are tied up. You are standing next to a lever. If you pull this lever, the trolley will switch to a different track. However, you notice a single person on the other track. You have two options:
- Do nothing. The five people die.
- Pull the lever, diverting the trolley. One person dies.
What is the right thing to do?
The answer seems straightforward here, but it gets fuzzier if we add some nuance. For example, what if the five people were convicted murderers and the single person was a young mother?
Over the next several daily posts, I will posit real-life versions of this dilemma, hoping to provoke thought and increase empathy for all involved.
