Week 12 Utilitarianism, & Kantianism Reflection Journal
The trolley problem which is a classic ethical dilemma, pits Kantian ethics against
utilitarianism. Kant’s deontological framework emphasizes duty and the intrinsic morality of
actions, regardless of the outcomes or consequences. He would argue that it is morally wrong to
actively cause harm, even for a greater good, which means pulling the lever is undoable. In
contrast, utilitarianism, which prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number, would justify
pulling the lever to minimize overall harm, sacrificing one life to save the other five. I find it
challenging to fully understand the Kantian perspective, as it seems to disregard practical
consequences in favor of rigid moral rules. However, I can appreciate the emphasis on individual
rights and the sanctity of actions. The utilitarian view is easier for me to grasp, as it aligns with a
consequentialist approach that values outcomes and collective well-being. The Moral Machine
project from MIT illustrates how different cultures and ideologies influence moral
decision-making. For example, people from individualistic societies may prioritize saving a
single person, while those from collectivist cultures may emphasize sacrificing one for the many.
This highlights that values, like personal autonomy versus societal good, differ across cultures,
and understanding these varying perspectives allows for a more nuanced view of ethical
decisions. It reminds us that our moral intuitions are shaped by cultural context, and there is no
universal right answer.
