Utilitarian's Dilemma At Home Analysis

Given the trolley problem, I would pull the lever to save the five people. However, I would also shout at the person on the other set of tracks and tell him to move out of the way as I am pulling the lever. Hoping that he somehow finds a way to get off the tracks rapidly. After, switching the lever I would run to the person and attempt to get him out of the way. Even though the problem states that the is no way that the person will be able to get out of the way of the train tracks if I pull the lever, I would like to give him a chance to try and save himself. I would also attempt to save him, because I would not feel right simply watching him die. At the end of this incident I would like to know that I tried my best to save all six lives.
A Utilitarian would most definitely pull the lever as well. A Utilitarian believes that an act is morally right if and only if its consequences are at least as good as the consequences of every alternative action. Ultimately, the best moral action is one that produces the most net pleasure. The consequences of switching the lever would be saving five people and killing one and the consequences of not switching the lever would result in saving one person and killing five. It is obvious to notice that the consequences of switching the lever produce the highest net pleasure. …show more content…
Kantians believe that the morality of an action depends on whether or not they fulfill our duty. According to this theory, the consequences of the action taken are irrelevant in determining whether an act is morally right or wrong. Kantian’s can claim that it is our duty to save lives. So saving the lives of the five people would be the morally right thing to do. It is very unfortunate to have lost one life in the process. Although there was one life lost as a consequence, this act is still righteous, because in Kantian Ethics the consequences can be