What is absurd trolley problems?

Absurd trolley problems are a variation of the classic ethical dilemma known as the trolley problem. In the classic trolley problem scenario, a person must make a decision about whether to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill one person in order to save five other people, or do nothing and allow the trolley to kill the five people.

Absurd trolley problems take this basic premise and create increasingly outlandish and unrealistic scenarios, testing the ethical boundaries and reasoning capabilities of individuals. For example, absurd trolley problems may involve scenarios such as a trolley carrying an alien who will destroy the earth if it is not diverted onto a different track, or a trolley carrying a bomb that will detonate if it is not redirected.

These absurd trolley problems are often used in philosophy and ethics classes to stimulate critical thinking and engage students in discussions about the complexities of ethical decision-making. They challenge individuals to consider factors such as the value of human life, the concept of moral responsibility, and the implications of different ethical principles in extreme and unrealistic scenarios.