Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Solved the Trolley Problem - EconTalkQuote
Michael C. Munger is a political scientist, economist, and author. He is a professor of political science, economics, and public policy at Duke University, where he also directs the undergraduate philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) program. Munger's research interests span a wide range of topics including the political economy of regulation, the political economy of the European Union, the economics of the arts, and the study of bureaucracy. He's also known for his work on the theory of the firm and cooperative enterprise. Munger has written numerous academic articles and several books on these subjects. Additionally, he's been involved in public discourse, frequently contributing to various media outlets and participating in public debates and discussions on economic and political issues.
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Adam Smith, an 18th-century economist and philosopher, didn't directly address the trolley problem, as it's a modern ethical thought experiment. However, his theories on moral sentiments and economic principles can provide some insights into how he might approach it.
In Smith's work, particularly in "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" and "The Wealth of Nations," he emphasizes the importance of empathy, sympathy, and the pursuit of self-interest within the context of a social framework.
In the trolley problem, where one must decide whether to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill one person instead of five, Smith might approach it from a utilitarian perspective, aiming to maximize overall well-being. However, he would also consider the moral sentiments involved in making such a decision.
Smith might argue that the decision to divert the trolley to save more lives aligns with the impartial spectator's perspective, a concept from his moral philosophy. The impartial spectator represents an imagined impartial observer who judges our actions based on sympathy and moral sentiments. In this case, the impartial spectator might sympathize with the intention to minimize harm and save more lives.
Furthermore, Smith's economic principles, particularly the idea of the invisible hand guiding self-interested actions to benefit society as a whole, might inform his approach. He might argue that individuals, acting in their self-interest to save lives in this scenario, contribute to the greater good and the harmony of society.
So, while Adam Smith didn't directly address the trolley problem, his moral and economic theories provide a framework for considering the ethical implications and potential solutions.