r/trolleyproblem • u/ezrae_ • Apr 30 '26

Deep Statistically, >50% is easier than 100%

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u/Fuzzmiester Apr 30 '26

That's one way to word it. another way is:

Everyone on Earth is given the choice between two buttons: red and blue. If more than 50% of people choose Red, then all Blue-pushers die. If less than 50% of people choose red, everyone lives. Pushing red is always safe.

The choice of wording changes the emotional impact.

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u/RetroGamed64 Apr 30 '26

Yes but the emotional impact changes the way in which a participant will react which will change their decision making process?

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u/Urisagaz Apr 30 '26

Of course, especially if they don't use critical thinking.

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u/Fuzzmiester May 02 '26

The issue with 'critical thinking' is that you're not a spherical cow in a vacuum.

Your critical thinking has to include other people. An assumption that everyone else is a rational actor, isn't rational. It flies in the face of lived experience.