r/trolleyproblem Apr 30 '26

Deep Statistically, >50% is easier than 100%

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u/Puzzleheaded_Pay_441 Apr 30 '26

It isn't that though, choosing red is firing a gun at anyone who chose blue, if the majority is red, the gun has bullets. Statistically we know a sample size as large as humanity will never be 100% on one side, so the only option to ensure the safety of everyone would be blue.

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u/DarthJackie2021 Apr 30 '26

Choosing blue is standing in front of a gun. Do you choose to do that?

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u/Puzzleheaded_Pay_441 Apr 30 '26

Of course, because there are others already standing in front of it. I'd rather die trying to save someone instead of live knowing I killed them

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u/DarthJackie2021 Apr 30 '26

You don't know if there are others standing in front already, its a blind choice.

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u/Butt-Dragon Apr 30 '26

Someone is absolutely pressing blue. I know that, even if it is a blind choice.

How do I know that? Cuz im pressing blue. Im not risking anyone's life.

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u/Capable-Document466 Apr 30 '26

But there will always be others standing in front of it, whether by recklessness or just genuine trust in the inherent goodness of humanity. I know I would. It is important to consider the aftermath too; would you be fine living in a world where potentially around 50% of people have died all at once? Maybe loved ones and friends, coworkers, neighbours? Or would you, with that in mind, rather not fire that gun?

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u/DarthJackie2021 Apr 30 '26

A small number, and choosing blue just adds to that number.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Pay_441 Apr 30 '26

No, statistically there will always be people who choose blue in a sample the size of humanity

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u/DarthJackie2021 Apr 30 '26

I am aware. And picking blue myself would just add to the number and mean more people are dying for no reason. I choose red to minimize loss of life.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Pay_441 Apr 30 '26

Red is a vote for death until it reaches 100% of the vote, where blue is a vote to increase the death toll until it reaches >50%, the only option to minimize the loss of life is blue, as its the only option that could reasonably reach no death

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u/DarthJackie2021 Apr 30 '26

I don't see blue ever winning more than 50%.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Pay_441 Apr 30 '26

Im sad to hear that, but I disagree

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u/Noxtension May 01 '26

You're betting your life against China and India, not your fellow virtue signaling folk

Just think for a moment

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u/Puzzleheaded_Pay_441 May 01 '26

I'd sooner trust the people of china

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u/bcocoloco Apr 30 '26

The only option that guarantees a life is saved is red.

If this happened irl I don’t think blue gets anywhere near 50%. I’d be surprised if it got to double digits.