Navigating the Trolley Problem: The Role of Religious Beliefs in Moral Dilemmas

The trolley problem has long been a subject of discussion in philosophy and ethics, providing a concrete scenario to explore moral and ethical issues. This dilemma has recently been revisited in the context of religious beliefs, particularly those rooted in the teachings of Hinduism and Catholicism. One prominent figure who integrated her religious beliefs into the trolley problem was Elizabeth Anscombe, a deeply religious and devout Catholic lady.

Religious Teachings and Moral Actions

The teachings of Hinduism, illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize the importance of action over inaction, stating that inaction is not a valid option. According to these teachings, performing an action to prevent harm is equally weighted with other actions and comes with equal moral responsibility. This perspective suggests that the decision to pull the lever is just as significant as any other action in terms of moral weight.

Elizabeth Anscombe and the Double Effect Doctrine

Chapter two of the story introduces Elizabeth Anscombe, a professional philosopher and devout Catholic, who delved deeply into the concept of intention in moral actions. During World War II, Anscombe and her husband, Peter Geach, both committed to the belief that Peter should not join the British armed forces due to the harm caused to civilian populations through bombings. This precept was a prime example of the double effect doctrine, a well-known principle in Catholic moral theology.

The double effect doctrine distinguishes between intended and unintended consequences. In Anscombe's scenarios, such as the pilot intentionally changing the trajectory of an airplane to save ten people at the cost of one person's life, the intention is clearly to save lives, not to kill. The death of the one person is an unintended and unwelcome side-effect, rather than an intended action.

The Double Effect Doctrine in Religion and Philosophy

While many analytical philosophers were skeptical of the double effect doctrine, it gained traction when Philippa Foot adopted and redefined the trolley-car scenario. Foot's redescription emphasized that the action of steering the trolley to avoid ten people is morally praiseworthy, as the death of one person is an unintended consequence.

However, when the scenario is altered to include an active intervention, such as pushing a man onto the track to stop the trolley, the moral weight shifts. In this case, the death of the man is no longer an unintended side-effect but an intended outcome of the action. This highlights the critical distinction between intent and consequence and raises profound ethical questions.

The Integration of Religious Teachings and Moral Ethics

Religious teachings offer a unique framework for tackling moral dilemmas. The Bhagavad Gita, for instance, underscores the importance of action, suggesting that inaction is not always morally permissible. Similarly, the double effect doctrine in Catholicism provides a nuanced approach to understanding the implications of actions and their intended versus unintended effects.

Elizabeth Anscombe's contributions to the trolley problem demonstrate that religious beliefs can significantly influence ethical reasoning. Her assertion that moral intentions are central to evaluating actions reflects a consistent moral ethic irrespective of the action's immediate outcomes.

Despite the doctrinal nuances, the overarching principle remains that actions should be guided by the intention to do good and mitigate harm. This perspective aligns with both religious teachings and contemporary ethical theories, making the trolley problem a rich area for philosophical exploration.

Ultimately, the final word on the trolley problem, from both a religious and philosophical standpoint, emphasizes the importance of intention and the gravity of acts that lead to harm. Whether you choose to pull the lever or intervene directly, the intrinsic moral value lies in the intent to preserve life and prevent suffering.

Keywords: trolley problem, moral dilemma, religious ethics, double effect doctrine