ABSTRACT

In this paper, I approach the trolley problem from a different angle, and align the perspective with non-Western models of philosophy as instruction for life. I argue that the trolley problem is an example of an extreme event that requires agents’ instant response; to act well, they must utilize all resources they have within themselves, whether these resources be physical, practical or ethical in nature. This approach, stemming from Asian philosophies, means that the solution of the trolley problem does not lie in any formulation of utilitarian calculus, or affirmation of deontological rights per se. Rather, it lies in the agents’ composure, attained by practicing a range of meditative and physical exercises. We can identify relevant ideas from Bruce Lee’s (1940-1973) philosophy and that of Zen Buddhism. For agents to perform well in the trolley case, they must display a range of virtues that pertains to an ethical model of life.

摘要

在本文中，我从不同的角度来处理电车问题，并将视角与非西方哲学模型相结合，作为对生活的指导。我认为电车问题是需要代理人即时响应的极端事件的一个例子。为了表现良好，他们必须利用自己拥有的所有资源，无论这些资源是物质的、实用的还是道德的。这种源自亚洲哲学的方法意味着电车问题的解决不在于任何功利演算的表述或对道义权利本身的肯定. 相反，它在于代理人的镇静，通过练习一系列冥想和体育锻炼来获得。我们可以从李小龙（1940-1973）的哲学和禅宗哲学中找出相关的思想。为了让代理人在拉杆箱中表现出色，他们必须表现出一系列与道德生活模式相关的美德。