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What if…

What if… The BBC’s on a roll. Some classic philosophy thought experiments, presented with good, clear explanation of the background and the consequences. Makes you think.

Posted on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2006 at 3:39 pm by Chris. Filed under Links, Philosophy.

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2 comments on “What if…”

  1. wild electrons

    That’s interesting with the trolley car, is flipping the switch really any different to shoving the fat man?

    May 3rd, 2006 3:41 pm

  2. Chris

    I don’t think it is different. I think it feels different because of how you instinctively interpret the people’s roles in the narrative.

    In the switch scenario, the person feels like a part of the dangerous situation to begin with, whereas in the bridge scenario, the person feels like an innocent bystander to begin with. But they’re functionally equivalent.

    May 3rd, 2006 4:05 pm

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