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This toddler’s approach to ‘The Trolley Problem’ is certainly unique

David Harris. Updated July 28th, 2024

The trolley problem, as you’re probably aware, is a thought experiment from ethical philosophy which goes something like this (thanks Wiki):

There is a runaway trolley barrelling down the railway tracks. Ahead, on the tracks, there are five people tied up and unable to move. The trolley is headed straight for them.

You are standing some distance off in the train yard, next to a lever. If you pull this lever, the trolley will switch to a different set of tracks. However, you notice that there is one person on the side track. You have two (and only two) options:

1.Do nothing, in which case the trolley will kill the five people on the main track.
2.Pull the lever, diverting the trolley onto the side track where it will kill one person.
Which is the more ethical option? Or, more simply: What is the right thing to do?

It’s profound stuff which has kept ethical philosophers mulling it over for years.

It also has deep implications for Artificial Intelligence. Should a self-driving car, for example, be programmed to swerve to collide with one person on the pavement if two people step in front of it? What if the two people are really old and the person on the pavement has their whole life ahead of them?

A parent presented his young son with the problem, using a toy train set, to see how he would react. It was shared by Internet Hall of Fame on Twitter/X.

It’s certainly a unique approach…

We suppose we admire his ability to be decisive under pressure, if nothing else.

Let’s delve into the comments.

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Has the kid been checked for robotic implants?

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One dad has gone viral for his unorthodox but effective way of stopping a toddler tantrum in its tracks

Source Internet House of Fame Image Screengrab