Exploring the Origins of the Trolley Problem

The trolley problem, arguably one of the most famous philosophical dilemmas, was first devised by Philip Afoot and brought into public consciousness by Judith Jarvis Thompson. The speaker raises a critical question about why credit is predominantly given to male philosophers like Kant, rather than to Thompson and Foot, highlighting the gender dynamics in philosophical recognition. This scrutiny prompts a deeper reflection on how sexism influences the attribution of credit within philosophical discourse, shedding light on the importance of recognizing the contributions of female philosophers in shaping fundamental ethical debates.