The Trolley Problem: A Moral Dilemma Quiz

Question 1

Which ethical principle prioritizes the greatest overall benefit in the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Egoism

Question 2

According to utilitarianism, which action in the Trolley Problem is considered morally right?

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing one person to save five others.

Answer

Saving the person on the tracks, even if it means the trolley will hit others.

Answer

Destroying the trolley to prevent any harm.

Answer

Doing nothing and letting the trolley take its course.

Question 3

According to the utilitarian perspective on the Trolley Problem, which action is morally justified?

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing the one person to save the five others

Answer

Saving the one person and letting the five others die

Answer

Letting the trolley continue on its path and killing all six people

Answer

Derailing the trolley to avoid harming anyone

Question 4

In the Trolley Problem, how do feelings and personal views affect someone's decision?

Accepted Answer

Feelings and personal views can make someone see things differently, care more about certain outcomes, and react emotionally.

Answer

Feelings and personal views don't affect decisions.

Answer

Feelings and personal views make decisions more logical.

Question 5

According to utilitarianism, which action in the Trolley Problem is considered morally correct?

Accepted Answer

Diverting the trolley to kill one person to save five others

Answer

Letting the trolley kill five people to save one person

Answer

Pushing a bystander onto the tracks to stop the trolley

Answer

Attempting to escape by hopping off the trolley

Question 6

Identify the two ethical theories that the Trolley Problem aims to compare.

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism and deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism and existentialism

Answer

Deontology and virtue ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics and existentialism

Question 7

What broader philosophical concept does the Trolley Problem seek to explore?

Accepted Answer

Moral dilemmas

Answer

Moral responsibility

Answer

Moral luck

Answer

Moral agency

Question 8

Choose a criticism that effectively highlights a limitation of the Trolley Problem.

Accepted Answer

It oversimplifies the complexity of real-world moral dilemmas.

Answer

It overlooks the influence of emotions in moral decision-making.

Answer

It wrongly assumes that all lives have equal value.

Answer

It is too abstract to have any practical relevance.

Question 9

In the Trolley Problem, the moral dilemma individuals face is:

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing one person to save five others

Answer

Choosing between saving a loved one or a stranger

Answer

Determining whether saving one group over another is ethically justifiable

Answer

Prioritizing personal safety over the welfare of others

Question 10

Utilitarianism, an ethical theory, emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness and well-being

Answer

Adhering to universal moral principles regardless of consequences

Answer

Developing virtues and character traits

Answer

Prioritizing individual freedom and choice

Question 11

Libertarianism, a philosophical perspective, emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Individual freedom and personal choice

Answer

The importance of collective decision-making

Answer

The role of tradition and community values

Answer

The pursuit of personal happiness and fulfillment

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical consideration in the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

The potential economic impact of the decision

Answer

The number of lives at stake

Answer

The identities and relationships of those involved

Answer

The potential for unintended consequences

Question 13

The Trolley Problem can be seen as a metaphor for:

Accepted Answer

The moral conflicts and dilemmas we encounter in daily life

Answer

The complexities and challenges of making political decisions

Answer

The impact and dilemmas posed by technological advancements

Answer

The inevitability of suffering and loss in life

Question 14

In the 'dual-track' variation of the Trolley Problem:

Accepted Answer

A trolley is on one track with five people, and there is an option to divert it to another track with one person

Answer

A trolley is on one track with five people, while another track has only one person

Answer

A trolley is on one track with five people, and the option exists to stop it before it reaches them

Answer

A trolley is on one track with five people, and someone can be pushed onto the track to stop it

Question 15

Moral luck, in the context of the Trolley Problem, refers to:

Accepted Answer

The role of chance or random factors in determining the outcome of a moral decision

Answer

The idea that good or bad luck can influence our moral obligations

Answer

The belief that moral luck can be manipulated or controlled

Answer

The impact of moral luck on our responsibility for our actions

Question 16

In the classic formulation of the Trolley Problem, how many individuals are initially at risk of being struck by the runaway train?

Accepted Answer

Five

Answer

One

Answer

Two

Answer

Three

Question 17

Which of the following principles is NOT considered a key ethical consideration in the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Justice (fairness)

Question 18

Which philosopher is widely credited with developing the Trolley Problem as a thought experiment?

Accepted Answer

Philippa Foot

Answer

Socrates

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aristotle

Question 19

What is the central moral dilemma posed by the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

Whether to sacrifice one person to potentially save five others

Answer

Whether to prioritize individual rights or society's well-being

Answer

Whether to actively intervene or remain passive

Answer

Whether to violate a moral rule in order to achieve a greater good

Question 20

Which ethical principle is commonly invoked to justify sacrificing one person to potentially save five?

Accepted Answer

The principle of beneficence (maximizing overall benefit)

Answer

The principle of non-maleficence (minimizing harm)

Answer

The principle of justice (treating all individuals fairly)

Answer

The principle of autonomy (respecting individual choices)

Question 21

In the "fat man" variation of the Trolley Problem, what additional ethical concern is introduced?

Accepted Answer

The physical characteristics of the individual who could be sacrificed

Answer

The potential for harming a third party in the process of diverting the trolley

Answer

The moral obligation to sacrifice oneself instead of an innocent person

Answer

The legal consequences of taking action to save others

Question 22

Which of the following responses to the Trolley Problem suggests going beyond the binary choice of sacrificing one or five?

Accepted Answer

Exploring alternative actions to stop the trolley without harming anyone

Answer

Prioritizing the individual most likely to survive if the trolley is not diverted

Answer

Consulting with a group of experts to make the decision

Answer

Refusing to choose and letting the outcome be determined by chance

Question 23

According to the ethical theory of utilitarianism, what is the ultimate objective of moral actions?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness and well-being

Answer

Adhering strictly to religious doctrines

Answer

Minimizing harm and suffering

Answer

Respecting individual rights and autonomy

Question 24

Which approach to resolving the Trolley Problem prioritizes minimizing the loss of life?

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing the one person to save the five

Answer

Randomly selecting one person to sacrifice

Answer

Allowing the trolley to continue its path without intervention

Answer

Actively intervening to stop the trolley, regardless of the consequences

Question 25

When making ethical decisions in the context of the Trolley Problem, which factor should NOT be taken into account?

Accepted Answer

The personal beliefs and values of the decision-maker

Answer

The number of lives at stake

Answer

The identities and characteristics of the individuals involved

Answer

The potential long-term effects of the decision

Question 26

Which ethical theory is most likely to endorse sacrificing one person to save five?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 27

In the Trolley Problem, you confront a dilemma that forces you to choose between:

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing one individual to save five others

Answer

Saving one individual while letting five others perish

Answer

Sacrificing two individuals to save three others

Answer

Allowing the trolley to proceed without interfering

Question 28

Which ethical framework advocates that the right action is the one that produces the greatest benefit for the majority?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Egoism

Question 29

According to Kantian ethics, the rightness or wrongness of an action primarily depends on:

Accepted Answer

Whether it adheres to a universal moral law

Answer

Whether it leads to the greatest overall benefit

Answer

Whether it is motivated by virtuous intentions

Answer

Whether it aligns with societal norms

Question 30

Which factor is irrelevant to the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

The cultural background of the decision-maker

Answer

The number of individuals affected by the decision

Answer

The personal connections between the individuals involved

Answer

The consequences of the action

Question 31

The Trolley Problem introduces the notion of 'moral luck,' which refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

The outcome of the decision is influenced by factors beyond the decision-maker's control

Answer

The decision-maker is always morally responsible for the consequences of their actions

Answer

The Trolley Problem is an impractical thought experiment

Answer

The ethical considerations of the Trolley Problem vary depending on the context

Question 32

How does comparing the Trolley Problem to other moral dilemmas, like the lifeboat or prisoner's dilemma, help us understand ethical reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the Trolley Problem to other dilemmas helps us identify common ethical principles and their impact on decision-making.

Answer

The Trolley Problem is unique because it involves sacrificing one person to save many, unlike other dilemmas.

Answer

The Trolley Problem only involves the conflict between utilitarian and deontological ethics, which is not true for other dilemmas.

Answer

The Trolley Problem is simpler than other dilemmas, making it easier to analyze and learn from.

Question 33

In the classic Trolley Problem scenario, where a runaway trolley threatens five people tied to the track, what is the central ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

The choice between sacrificing one person on another track to save the five.

Answer

The question of who is ultimately responsible for the trolley's path.

Answer

The decision of whether to intervene at all.

Question 34

Which of the following arguments against sacrificing one life to save five is grounded in the concept of inherent human rights?

Accepted Answer

Every individual has an inviolable right to life, regardless of the potential consequences.

Answer

Killing one person, even under extreme circumstances, violates moral principles.

Answer

The trolley's path should be determined by a just and fair process, not by individual choices.

Question 35

The Trolley Problem has been instrumental in supporting which ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism, which prioritizes maximizing overall well-being.

Answer

Virtue ethics, which emphasizes personal moral character and virtues.

Answer

Kantian ethics, which focuses on universal moral principles and duties.

Answer

Existentialism, which stresses individual freedom and responsibility.

Question 36

Beyond the binary choice of sacrificing one or saving five, some ethicists argue for:

Accepted Answer

Examining broader consequences and considering alternative actions to resolve the Trolley Problem.

Answer

Always prioritizing saving the greater number of people, regardless of other factors.

Answer

Rejecting any moral responsibility in such extreme scenarios.

Answer

Ruling out the possibility of morally acceptable solutions.

Question 37

Which ethical principle is particularly relevant to the Trolley Problem, as it addresses the permissibility of unintended harm?

Accepted Answer

The Principle of Double Effect

Answer

The Principle of Justice

Answer

The Principle of Autonomy

Answer

The Principle of Beneficence

Question 38

In the Trolley Problem, which ethical principle is being primarily tested?

Accepted Answer

The principle of utility

Answer

The veil of ignorance

Answer

The categorical imperative

Answer

The golden rule

Question 39

According to the principle of double effect, under what conditions can it be permissible to kill one person to save five in the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

If killing the one person is not the primary intention, but a foreseen side effect of an action with a good end.

Answer

If the one person is a volunteer who consents to being killed.

Answer

If the five people are family members of the person who pulls the lever.

Question 40

Which philosopher is credited with introducing the original Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

Philippa Foot

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 41

What is the core ethical conflict presented in the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

The conflict between valuing the life of one individual versus the lives of multiple individuals.

Answer

The conflict between justice and mercy.

Answer

The conflict between duty to oneself and duty to others.

Question 42

What is the "bystander effect" in relation to the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for individuals to be less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present.

Answer

The tendency for individuals to be more likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present.

Answer

The tendency for individuals to be more likely to intervene in an emergency situation when they are alone.

Question 43

What are some ethical considerations that arise when using autonomous vehicles in relation to the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

Determining liability for accidents and developing ethical guidelines for programming the decision-making process of autonomous vehicles.

Answer

The environmental impact of autonomous vehicles and the need for regulations.

Question 44

In the Trolley Problem, what primary ethical principle is most directly at stake?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Relativism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 45

What makes the 'fat man' variation of the Trolley Problem different from the 'classic' version?

Accepted Answer

It introduces the element of direct action, where you would have to actively push someone to save others.

Answer

The trolley is carrying a group of school children.

Question 46

In the 'bystander' variation of the Trolley Problem, you see a trolley heading towards five people. You could push a large man into its path to stop it. Would this be morally justified?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your personal moral beliefs and the specific circumstances.

Answer

No, it's never right to kill one person to save others.

Answer

Yes, saving more lives is always morally right.

Question 47

What potential implication does the Trolley Problem have for the development of autonomous vehicles?

Accepted Answer

We need to create ethical guidelines for autonomous vehicles to make decisions in situations where harm is unavoidable.

Answer

Autonomous vehicles should never be programmed to favor certain passengers over others.

Answer

The Trolley Problem is irrelevant to autonomous vehicle development.

Question 48

The Trolley Problem is used in cognitive science to study what?

Accepted Answer

How people make moral decisions and judgments.

Answer

Attention and memory.

Answer

Language comprehension.

Answer

Emotional regulation.

Question 49

What is a key insight we can gain from the Trolley Problem?

Accepted Answer

Moral dilemmas often force us to make tough and complex choices.

Answer

Moral dilemmas always have clear and objective answers.

Answer

Moral decisions should be based on instinct.

Question 50

The Trolley Problem is a philosophical tool for exploring which of these concepts?

Accepted Answer

Free will, responsibility, and the nature of moral judgment.

Answer

The existence of God.

Answer

The meaning of life.