Q&A: The Trolley Dilemma
The Trolley Dilemma
Question
Unlike dilemmas such as those in game theory, where there is some kind of resolution—that is, a preference for a certain option, as in the prisoner’s dilemma—in a moral dilemma like the trolley dilemma, is there any resolution at all? In other words, are there moral rules by which one can decide such a serious dilemma? And can this be compared to the case of a city under siege, where they say, “Hand over one person or all of you will die,” where according to Jewish law the ruling is that the person is not handed over?
Answer
See 628, 570, and also here: https://mikyab.net/%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%A7%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%98-%D7%95%D7%91%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%AA/
But in your question you assume premises that have no basis: that in the prisoner’s dilemma there is a resolution, and that rules are needed in order to decide (positivism versus casuistry).