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Debate Info

20
20
Yes No
Debate Score:40
Arguments:39
Total Votes:40
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (19)
 
 No (20)

Debate Creator

petermc(25) pic



In the trolley problem the right thing to do is to divert the trolley.

You see a runaway trolley moving toward five people lying on the main track. You are standing next to a lever that controls a switch. If you pull the lever, the trolley will be diverted onto a side track, and the five people on the main track will be saved. However, there is a single person lying on the side track and they will be killed.

Should you divert the trolley? Why or why not?

Yes

Side Score: 20
VS.

No

Side Score: 20
1 point

Diverting the trolly is by far and away the lesser of two evils.

This is a dilemma of morality vs legality with morality coming out on top by a mile.

Side: Yes
1 point

By diverting the trolley you are directly responsible for killing an innocent person. Murder is wrong.

Side: No
imagine_that(1) Disputed
2 points

But surely by taking no action, you are still responsible for killing the five, therefore creating more suffering than if you were to divert the trolley?

Side: Yes

Apparently I am part of a culture which is pathologically narcissistic, and I personally do not care in the slightest who gets hurt by my inaction. Especially if it means less people on the road during rush hour traffic ;)

Side: No
1 point

Apparently I am part of a culture which is pathologically narcissistic

Apparent to me. Not apparent to you, otherwise you'd do something about it, wouldn't you?

and I personally do not care in the slightest who gets hurt by my inaction

That can be evidenced by the terrible way you react to criticism. People in general have an alarming propensity to justify their own bias to themselves, but your kind (i.e. the American far right) take it to the next level entirely.

Side: Yes

Well..., thank that's only your opinion and that your opinion is a moo point. In other words, like a cow's opinion, it doesn't matter ;)

Side: Yes