What psychological theory is the trolley problem commonly used to explore?

The trolley problem is a well-known thought experiment in ethics and moral psychology, primarily used to explore the principles of utilitarianism. This theory posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. In the trolley problem, individuals are faced with a moral dilemma that forces them to weigh the consequences of their actions concerning the greater good.

In this scenario, a person must decide whether to pull a lever that directs a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill one person instead of allowing it to continue on its current track, where it will kill five people. The decision-making process involved exemplifies utilitarianism by emphasizing the calculation of harm and benefit—choosing the option that results in the least amount of harm (i.e., saving the greater number of lives).

Utilitarianism serves as a framework for evaluating moral decisions based on their outcomes, making this theory particularly relevant to the ethical dilemmas presented by the trolley problem. As such, it acknowledges the importance of considering the consequences of one's actions in moral reasoning.