THE TROLLEY PROBLEM AND AGGRESSION. Issue 2 (29th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamm, F. M.
• Editors: Pincione, Guido
• Is Part Of: Social philosophy and policy. Volume 32:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2016-04-29
• Subjects: Social policy -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 303.01
• DOI: 10.1017/S026505251600008X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-0525

Abstract

Abstract: This essay considers complications introduced by the Trolley Problem to the discussion of whether and when harming some for the sake of helping others would be unjustified. It first examines Guido Pincione's arguments for the conclusion that the permissibility of a bystander turning a runaway trolley from killing five people toward killing one other person instead may undermine one moral argument for political libertarianism and against redistributive taxation, namely that we may not harm some people in order to help others to a greater degree. It then considers both the bearing on Pincione's argument of recent objections to the permissibility of turning the trolley, as well as the soundness of the objections. Finally, the essay considers the relevance of trolley cases for developing a theory of aggression, insofar as aggression is the unjustified use of force that is either foreseen or intended.