EconTalk Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Solved the Trolley Problem
30 snips
Sep 18, 2023 Michael Munger, a professor at Duke University and host of "The Answer is Transaction Costs," dives into the philosophical depths of the trolley problem, connecting it to Adam Smith's insights. Munger discusses how Smith's ideas challenge conventional views on empathy and self-interest. The conversation touches on effective altruism, the moral implications from historical events, and the disconnect in our emotional responses to distant tragedies. They explore how context shapes our moral choices and the complexities of ethical decision-making.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trolley Problem Origins
- The trolley problem explores the doctrine of double effect, differentiating between killing and letting die.
- It originated with dilemmas like the Caesarean section in 200 AD, highlighting the difference between intervening and causing death versus allowing natural events to unfold.
Philippa Foot's Tram Problem
- Philippa Foot illustrated the trolley problem with a runaway tram scenario.
- She highlighted the moral distinction between intentionally killing one person to save five versus diverting the tram and unintentionally causing one death.
Moral Agency in Trolley Problem
- Surveys reveal that people distinguish between actively causing harm and passively allowing it.
- Most people wouldn't divert a trolley to kill five to save one but would divert it to kill one to save five.
