r/trolleyproblem

8.9K archived posts · Jun 2016 – Sep 2026

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Trolley problems: submit and discuss.

r/trolleyproblem

A subreddit for submission and discussion of variants of the trolley problem.

Created Jun 17, 2016

99KMembers (last snapshot)

8.9KArchived posts

This is a subreddit for submission and discussion of variants of the trolley problem.

The trolley problem is a thought experiment introduced in 1967. The original dilemma involves a runaway trolley travelling down train tracks towards five helpless people. You are standing at a lever that can divert the trolley down an alternative track, with one helpless person on it.

If you do nothing, five people will be killed by your inaction. If you pull the lever, your action will cause the death of a person. It is a binary choice and there are no other solutions or ways to "save everyone".

The problems explore themes of choice, action, moral responsibility, and values. Many variants exist, including humorous ones which are most welcome!

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