Kantian Trolleyology

This article examines six contemporary Kantian approaches to Judith Jarvis Thomson’s famous trolley problem, a thought experiment that continues to challenge philosophers and non-philosophers alike. The approaches analyzed include those of Paul Guyer, Pauline Kleingeld, Samuel Kerstein, Elke Elisabeth Schmidt, James Edwin Mahon, and Allen Wood. All of these philosophers attempt to reconcile Kant’s moral framework on the one side with the ethical issues raised by the trolley problem on the other. However, this article highlights and elaborates on significant challenges to each philosopher’s approach, pointing to potential flaws and inconsistencies. In engaging critically with these varied Kantian approaches, the article not only highlights their limitations, but also revisits Thomson’s original framing of the problem in order to assess the latter’s enduring significance and to delve into some of the systemic issues inherent in trolleyology. It is argued that recognizing these systemic issues is crucial for advancing a more robust Kantian solution to the trolley problem, one that remains faithful to Kantian principles while nonetheless addressing the complexities of moral decision-making in such situations.