New Series of Philosophical Puzzles

PEA Soup is running a new series of posts on philosophical puzzles and thought experiments. photo by Martin Wacker The idea of the series to “try out ideas and for informal discussion of issues and questions in moral and political philosophy.” The proprietors of PEA Soup write, “All are welcome to join us in this discussion. But beyond that, we would like to invite people to propose their own puzzles for discussion.” “PEA Soup Puzzles” kicks off with an entry from Victor Tadros (Warwick) with a set of puzzles for those who, like many, think it is wrong to use others to achieve a greater good and permissible to ensure we’re not harmed for the greater good only because we’re useful for doing so. Here’s a teaser: First, consider: Jump: A trolley is heading towards Archie. If it hits him, he will be killed. If he jumps out of the way, it will head on down the track and run over Bella. Those are his only sensible options. Although Archie acts, and his action results in Bella being killed,…