Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Solved the Trolley Problem
EconTalk
Ethics of Sacrifice: The Trolley Problem and Beyond
This chapter examines weak Pareto improvements and moral dilemmas through the lens of the trolley problem, exploring themes of active versus passive agency in life-and-death decisions. It highlights the complexities of utilitarian ethics in scenarios like the atomic bombings of Japan during World War II and the implications for modern ethical training. Drawing on philosophical insights from thinkers like Philippa Foot and Adam Smith, the discussion emphasizes the unpredictable nature of moral decision-making in both historical and contemporary contexts.
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