the trolley problem.

from a humanistic perspective:

if a human life is above all else, the word “above” assigns value. So, if 1 human life is worth x amount, then 100 human lives are worth 100x. By that logic, it is worth sacrificing one for all.

However, from a holistic perspective, or even a Buddhist perspective, in which everything has equal value, the plants and insects on each track potentially perishing along with the 1 or 100 humans -> the only sane solution left would be to make no choice at all and let the train go where it may, most likely derailing at the exact point of the track switch.

I reckon the “just let go” decision would be seconded by nihilists, anarchists, dada-ists, stoicists, agnostics, atheists, and most of the -ists.

Letting go would relieve the switchman of any moral shame, sin, or misguided superiority.

Free will exists not only to be applied in decision but also in omission.

Let the train go where it may... let Jesus take the wheel.