trolley problems
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pluralof trolley problem.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
trolley problemnouna hypothetical ethical dilemma in which a trolley would kill several people if it continues on its current track but would kill one person if diverted; used to discuss the ethics of sacrificing one to save many.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ethicists used this flip, and other intuitions drawn from trolley problems, in their arguments over how a person ought to make a moral judgment in real life.
From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2018
It also seemed a little off that trolley problems were often posed in funny, entertaining ways, while real-life moral dilemmas are unfunny as a rule.
From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2018
When asked about their top concerns about AVs, however, most people don't mention trolley problems.
From Science Magazine ● Dec. 14, 2017
Libertarians might call the “driver-first” approach an inevitable, market-based “solution” to trolley problems.
From Slate ● Oct. 18, 2016
Some of the most famous thought experiments in this area involve what ethicists call trolley problems.
From New York Times ● Mar. 22, 2014