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Would You Kill The Big Guy?

A train is hurtling down a railway line. It's out of control and the brakes have failed. Ahead, five people are tied to the track and apparently face certain death. You, however, are standing by the rails and have a chance to save them.

This Poll is inspired by the following BBC World Service Documentary:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2010/05/100423_would_you_kill_big_guy_two.shtml

Situation 1: There is a junction on the line in front of you leading down a branch line. If you pull a lever you can divert the train from the main line and instead onto this branch line where there is only one man. If you take this branch line this man will die. Do you pull the lever?

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 AnswerPercentageVotes
Total: 44
A.Pull The Lever75.00 %33
B.Don't Pull The Lever25.00 %11

Results ★

Pull The Lever
75.00%
Don't Pull The Lever
25.00%
Don't Push The Fat Man
65.96%
Push The Fat Man
34.04%

Situation 2: Same train and workers. This time you are on a bridge over the line. The train could be stopped by a heavy object thrown in front of it. Beside you there is a Fat Man - if you pushed him over the bridge and into the line his body would stop the train. Would you push the Fat Man to his death to save the five works?

© AnswerBank Ltd 2000 - 2024. All Rights Reserved.

 AnswerPercentageVotes
Total: 47
A.Don't Push The Fat Man65.96 %31
B.Push The Fat Man34.04 %16
Stats until: 20:17 Wed 18th Dec 2024 (Refreshed every 5 minutes)