Absurd Trolley Problems – Neal Fun Games
In the realm of ethical philosophy, few dilemmas are as famous as the trolley problem. Neal Agarwal’s “Absurd Trolley Problems” offers a fresh and humorous perspective on this classic thought experiment.
Through a series of absurd scenarios, players are challenged to make decisions that blur the line between morality and absurdity.
Understanding the Trolley Problem Game:
The traditional trolley problem presents a scenario where a runaway trolley is hurtling down a track, and the player must choose between pulling a lever to divert the trolley onto another track, where it will harm fewer people, or doing nothing and allowing it to continue on its current path, where it will cause more harm.
Introduction to Absurd Trolley Problems Game:
Neal Agarwal’s game takes the core concept of the trolley problem and injects it with humor and absurdity. Each level presents players with a new variation of the dilemma, featuring outlandish scenarios and exaggerated consequences.
Gameplay Mechanics:
Players navigate through 28 levels, each offering a unique twist on the trolley problem. They are tasked with making decisions such as diverting the trolley to run over clowns instead of hot dog vendors, sacrificing their life savings to change its course, or pulling the lever to prank the trolley driver.
Exploring the Levels:
- Four People: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, killing 4 people instead.
- Life Savings: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, but then your life savings will be destroyed.
- You: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, sacrificing yourself instead.
- Priceless Painting: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, but then the original copy of the Mona Lisa will be destroyed.
- Bribes: A trolley is heading towards a rich man. The rich man offers you $500,000 to pull the lever, which would divert the trolley and kill someone else.
- Levels of Sentience: A trolley is heading towards 5 lobsters. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, running over a cat instead.
- Sleeping: A trolley is heading towards 5 people who are sleeping and won’t feel pain. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, running over someone who is wide awake instead.
- Personal Choices: A trolley is heading towards 5 people who tied themselves to the track. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, killing 1 person who accidentally tripped onto the track instead.
- Mercy: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. The lever just speeds up the trolley, which might make it less painful.
- Minor Inconvenience: A trolley is heading towards one guy. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, but then your Amazon package will be late.
- Best Friend: A trolley is heading towards your best friend. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, killing 5 strangers instead.
- Can’t See: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, killing 1 person instead. At least, that’s what you think is happening. You forgot your glasses and can’t see that well.
- Cousins: A trolley is heading towards one of your first cousins. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, killing 3 of your second cousins instead.
- Age: A trolley is heading towards 5 elderly people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, running over a baby instead.
- Clones: A trolley is barreling towards 5 identical clones of you. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, sacrificing yourself instead.
- Mystery Box: A trolley is heading towards a mystery box with a 50% chance of containing two people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, hitting a mystery box with a 10% chance of 10 people instead.
- I am Robot: A trolley is heading towards 5 sentient robots. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, killing 1 human instead.
- Economic Damage: A trolley is heading towards 3 empty trolleys worth $900,000. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, hitting 1 empty trolley worth $300,000 instead.
- External Costs: A trolley is releasing 100kg of CO2 per year which will kill 5 people over 30 years. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, hitting a brick wall and decommissioning the trolley.
- Reincarnation: You’re a reincarnated being who will eventually be reincarnated as every person in this classic trolley problem.
- Harmless Prank?: A trolley is heading towards nothing, but you kinda want to prank the trolley driver.
- Citizens: A trolley is heading towards a good citizen. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, running over someone who litters instead.
- Eternity: Due to a construction error, a trolley is stuck in an eternal loop. If you pull the lever the trolley will explode, and if you don’t the trolley and its passengers will go in circles for eternity.
- Enemy: A trolley is heading towards your worst enemy. You can pull the lever to divert the trolley and save them, or you can do nothing and no one will ever know.
- Lifespan: A trolley is heading towards a person and will lower their lifespan by 50 years. You can pull the lever to divert the trolley and lower the lifespan of 5 people by 10 years each instead.
- Time Machine: A trolley is heading towards 5 people. You can pull the lever to divert it to the other track, sending the trolley into the future to kill 5 people 100 years from now.
- Free Will: A trolley problem is playing out before you. Do you actually have a choice in this situation? Or has everything been predetermined since the universe began?
Philosophical Reflections:
While the scenarios presented in “Absurd Trolley Problems” are humorous and exaggerated, they still prompt players to reflect on their core beliefs and moral values.
The game challenges players to consider the consequences of their actions and the ethical implications of their decisions.
Impact and Reception:
Neal Agarwal’s game has garnered attention for its creative approach to the trolley problem. It has been praised for its humor and wit, as well as its ability to spark philosophical discussions in an engaging and accessible format.
Related Game: Play Design The Next iPhone
Conclusion:
“Absurd Trolley Problems” offers a delightful and thought-provoking twist on a classic ethical dilemma. By combining humor with philosophical inquiry, the game invites players to explore complex moral questions in a lighthearted and entertaining way.
Through its absurd scenarios and witty commentary, the game encourages players to think critically about their values and beliefs.
