Y12W37VC The runaway trolley

A runaway trolley is about to hit five people. You're standing next to a lever. Pulling it would divert the trolley onto a side track, where it would kill one person instead. Do you pull the lever? Now a second scenario. Same trolley, same five people, but this time you're on a footbridge with a stranger whose body, pushed off, would stop the trolley. Do you push him? This week's article examines why our answers differ.

Core Vocabulary

consequentialist

/ˌkɒn.sɪˈkwɛn.ʃəl.ɪst/|con.se.quen.tial.ist

adjective

Judging the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. Consequentialist thinking focuses on results: if an action produces good outcomes, it is right; if it produces bad outcomes, it is wrong.

Word Breakdown: consequent (following as result) + -ial (relating to) + -ist (one who believes)

Word family: consequentialism (n.), consequence (n.)

Synonyms: results-focused, outcome-based, utilitarian

Collocations: consequentialist reasoning, consequentialist perspective, take a consequentialist approach

Example: A consequentialist would justify pulling the lever because diverting the trolley to kill one person rather than five produces better outcomes.

In the articleIn the lever scenario, consequentialist reasoning supports pulling the lever: one death is better than five.

deontological

/ˌdi.ən.təˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/|de.on.to.log.i.cal

adjective

Judging the morality of actions based on rules, duties, or rights rather than outcomes. Deontological thinking focuses on whether an action conforms to moral rules: pushing someone is wrong regardless of consequences.

Word Breakdown: deon- (duty) + -logical (relating to reasoning)

Word family: deontology (n.), deontologist (n.)

Synonyms: duty-based, rule-based, rights-focused

Collocations: deontological reasoning, deontological perspective, deontological ethics

Example: A deontologist would refuse to push the stranger off the bridge because actively killing someone violates the moral rule against murder, even to save five lives.

In the articleDeontological ethics emphasises duties and rules: pushing someone is intrinsically wrong regardless of outcomes.

utilitarian

/ˌjuː.tɪlˈteːr.i.ən/|u.til.i.tar.i.an

adjective

Aiming at the greatest good for the greatest number; focused on maximising overall benefit or happiness for society. Utilitarian thinking is a form of consequentialism that measures rightness by total wellbeing.

Word Breakdown: utility (usefulness, benefit) + -arian (relating to)

Word family: utilitarianism (n.), utilitarian (n.)

Synonyms: greatest-good thinking, happiness-focused, consequentialist

Collocations: utilitarian calculus, utilitarian reasoning, utilitarian perspective

Example: A utilitarian would pull the lever because saving five lives produces greater total benefit than saving one.

In the articleUtilitarian reasoning in the trolley problem suggests the right action is the one that minimises total deaths.

hypothetical

/haɪˈpɒθ.ə.tɪ.kəl/|hy.poth.e.ti.cal

adjective

Based on a suggested idea or theory rather than proven fact; imagined for the purpose of argument or explanation. Hypothetical scenarios test reasoning without real-world consequences.

Word Breakdown: hypoth- (place under) + -etical (relating to)

Word family: hypothesis (n.), hypothetically (adv.)

Synonyms: supposed, imagined, theoretical

Collocations: hypothetical scenario, hypothetical situation, hypothetical dilemma

Example: The trolley problem is a hypothetical dilemma designed to explore moral reasoning, not a real situation most people face.

In the articleThe trolley problem presents a hypothetical scenario that reveals principles we use in moral reasoning.

visceral

/ˈvɪs.ər.əl/|vis.cer.al

adjective

Instinctive and felt deeply in the body or emotions; relating to physical or gut reactions rather than rational thought. Visceral responses bypass logical reasoning.

Word family: viscerally (adv.)

Synonyms: instinctive, gut-level, emotional

Collocations: visceral reaction, visceral response, visceral opposition

Example: Pushing someone off a bridge creates a visceral moral opposition that lever-pulling does not, even though the consequences are identical.

In the articleWe have a visceral response to pushing someone that differs from our response to diverting a trolley, revealing that our moral judgment involves emotional, not just rational, factors.

scenario

/səˈnɑːr.i.oʊ/|sce.nar.i.o

noun

A possible situation or sequence of events; a description of what might happen under particular circumstances. Scenarios help explore outcomes or principles.

Word family: scenarios (n.)

Synonyms: situation, circumstance, case

Collocations: scenario describes, in this scenario, worst-case scenario

Example: The two trolley scenarios—lever and footbridge—reveal different moral intuitions about the same outcome.

In the articleThe article examines why our answers differ between the two scenarios.

permissible

/pərˈmɪs.ə.bəl/|per.miss.i.ble

adjective

Allowable or acceptable according to rules, laws, or moral standards. Something permissible is not forbidden.

Word Breakdown: permiss- (allow) + -ible (capable of)

Word family: permission (n.), permit (n.), permissible (n.)

Synonyms: allowable, acceptable, permitted

Collocations: permissible action, morally permissible, legally permissible

Example: Deontological ethics questions whether pushing someone is permissible even if it saves more lives.

In the articleThe doctrine of double effect asks: when is harm permissible as a side-effect rather than as a means?

scrutiny

/ˈskruː.tə.ni/|scru.ti.ny

noun

Careful, detailed examination or inspection. Scrutiny reveals inconsistencies or problems that may not be immediately visible.

Word family: scrutinise (n.), scrutinised (n.)

Synonyms: examination, inspection, analysis

Collocations: under scrutiny, withstand scrutiny, close scrutiny

Example: The trolley problem withstands scrutiny as a tool for exploring moral reasoning because it reveals genuine tensions in our ethical intuitions.

In the articleThe trolley problem has become a centerpiece of ethical scrutiny because it exposes assumptions in moral judgment.

Technical Terms

the trolley problem

/ðə ˈtrɒl.i ˈprɒb.ləm/|the.trol.ley.prob.lem

noun

Foot and Thomson's famous thought experiment comparing moral intuitions across two scenarios: pulling a lever to divert a trolley (killing one, saving five) versus pushing a person off a bridge to achieve the same outcome (one death, five saved). The problem reveals that people judge these acts differently despite identical consequences.

Synonyms: trolley dilemma, the switch problem

Collocations: the trolley problem shows, in the trolley problem, solving the trolley problem

Example: The trolley problem demonstrates that people reason morally in ways that pure consequentialism cannot fully explain.

In the articleThis week's article examines the trolley problem: why do we answer differently across the two scenarios?

consequentialism

/ˌkɒn.sɪˈkwɛn.ʃəl.ɪ.zəm/|con.se.quen.tial.ism

noun

The ethical theory that the morality of actions is determined entirely by their outcomes or consequences. If the consequences are good, the action is right; if bad, it is wrong. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism.

Word family: consequentialist, consequence

Synonyms: outcome ethics, results-based ethics

Collocations: consequentialism suggests, according to consequentialism, defend consequentialism

Example: Consequentialism would justify pulling the lever because the outcome (one death instead of five) is better.

In the articleConsequentialism judges actions by their results: pulling the lever saves four more lives.

deontology

/ˌdi.ən.ˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/|de.on.tol.o.gy

noun

The ethical theory that actions are right or wrong based on whether they conform to moral rules or duties, independent of their consequences. Deontology emphasises rights, duties, and respect for persons.

Word Breakdown: deon- (duty) + -ology (study of)

Word family: deontological, deontologist

Synonyms: duty ethics, rule-based ethics

Collocations: deontology holds, according to deontology, deontological approach

Example: Deontology refuses to push the stranger because the rule 'do not murder' applies regardless of consequences.

In the articleDeontological ethics asks: does the rule against actively killing apply even to save five lives?

doctrine of double effect

/ˈdɒk.trɪn əv ˈdʌb.əl ɪˈfɛkt/|doc.trine.of.dou.ble.ef.fect

noun

The principle that harm caused as a side-effect of a good action is morally more permissible than harm caused as a means to an end. Pulling a lever (where one death is side-effect) differs from pushing someone (where death is the means).

Synonyms: the doctrine of side-effects

Collocations: the doctrine of double effect explains, invoke the doctrine of double effect

Example: The doctrine of double effect distinguishes between killing as a side-effect and killing as a means, explaining different moral intuitions about the lever and footbridge scenarios.

In the articleThe doctrine of double effect helps explain why pulling a lever feels different from pushing someone, despite identical outcomes.

moral intuition

/ˈmɔr.əl ɪnˈtuː.ɪ.ʃən/|mor.al.in.tu.i.tion

noun

An immediate, felt response to moral questions or situations, often at odds with explicit ethical reasoning. Moral intuitions reveal principles people operate from without conscious articulation.

Word family: moral intuitive, moral intuitively

Synonyms: gut reaction, moral sense, instinctive judgment

Collocations: moral intuition suggests, our moral intuitions, moral intuition differs from

Example: Our moral intuition pulls us differently in the lever and footbridge scenarios, even though the ethical outcome is identical.

In the articleMoral intuition in the two scenarios reveals that we judge actions by something beyond just consequences.

Figurative Phrases

pull the lever

To commit to a decision, especially one with significant consequences. The phrase derives from the trolley problem itself.

Etymology/Type: idiomatic

Synonyms: make the decision, take action

Example: Would you pull the lever to save more lives, even if it means actively causing one death?

In the articlePulling the lever is the first scenario in the trolley problem.

in cold blood

With premeditation and deliberation; without emotion or passion. The phrase contrasts with spontaneous or emotional action.

Etymology/Type: idiomatic

Synonyms: deliberately, with intent, premeditated

Example: Pushing someone off a bridge feels like killing in cold blood, while pulling a lever feels more mechanical.

In the articleActively pushing someone feels more cold-blooded than mechanically diverting a trolley.

the greater good

The collective benefit or wellbeing of the group; the principle that individual interests should sometimes be sacrificed for the welfare of all.

Etymology/Type: idiomatic

Synonyms: common good, collective benefit

Example: Consequentialist reasoning invokes the greater good: five lives are worth more than one.

In the articleThe greater good is central to consequentialist reasoning about the trolley problem.

blood on your hands

Responsibility for harm or wrongdoing; guilt or culpability for someone's suffering. The phrase uses blood figuratively.

Etymology/Type: idiomatic

Synonyms: guilty of harm, responsible for, culpable

Example: Both pulling the lever and pushing the stranger result in blood on your hands—but in different ways.

In the articleThe trolley problem asks who bears responsibility for the death that results.

means to an end

Something used as an instrument to achieve a goal, often implying use or manipulation. In ethics, using a person as a means denies their dignity.

Etymology/Type: idiomatic

Synonyms: instrumental use, tool for achieving goals

Example: Pushing the stranger treats them as a means to an end (saving five lives), while pulling a lever merely uses a mechanical tool.

In the articleDeontology objects to treating people as means to an end.

walk away from

To refuse to act or become involved; to avoid responsibility or action. The phrase suggests stepping back from a situation.

Etymology/Type: idiomatic

Synonyms: refuse to act, decline involvement, abstain

Example: Can you walk away from the trolley problem if you know five people will die as a result of inaction?

In the articleThe trolley problem makes it difficult to walk away from responsibility.

Confusing Words

consequentialist vs. consequential

These word-family members are easily confused: consequentialist is a type of ethical theorist, while consequential means significant or important.

  • consequentialist [a person or theory that judges the morality of actions based on their consequences] — A consequentialist would pull the lever because it produces the better outcome — saving four more lives.
  • consequential [significant, important, or having notable effects or consequences] — The trolley problem is a consequential ethical dilemma because it reveals fundamental assumptions about how we reason morally.

Consequentialist = ethical theory/theorist (noun or adjective describing a moral framework); Consequential = significant/important (adjective meaning noteworthy). Ask: Is this describing a theory or a level of importance?

deontological vs. teleological

These contrasting ethical frameworks differ in how they determine what makes an action right: duty versus purpose.

  • deontological [based on duties, rules, or the intrinsic rightness of actions regardless of outcomes] — A deontological position refuses to push the stranger because the act of murder is wrong in itself, regardless of consequences.
  • teleological [based on purposes, goals, or ultimate ends; outcomes determine rightness] — A teleological view judges actions by their purpose and intended outcomes — if the goal is to save five lives, pushing the stranger may be justified.

Deontological = duty-based, rule-based (right or wrong independent of outcomes); Teleological = goal-based, purpose-based (rightness determined by ends). Ask: Does this theory care about rules (deontological) or goals (teleological)?

hypothetical vs. theoretical

These near-synonyms describe ideas that aren't concrete, but they differ: hypothetical is imagined for argument, theoretical is based on ideas in theory.

  • hypothetical [imagined or proposed for the sake of argument or testing reasoning; not claiming to be real] — The trolley problem is hypothetical — a made-up scenario designed to test moral intuitions, not describing a real situation.
  • theoretical [based on theory or principles rather than practical experience; existing in theory rather than practice] — The trolley problem has theoretical value for ethics because it reveals principles underlying our moral reasoning.

Hypothetical = imagined scenario to test reasoning (not real, designed for exploration); Theoretical = based on ideas or concepts (may or may not be real, focused on principles). Something can be both: the trolley problem is hypothetical (not real) and has theoretical value (reveals principles).