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Writing Desk » TROLLEYS, VIOLINS AND WHAT THEY CAN TELL YOU ABOUT YOURSELF

Back to Home Written on 08-Feb-2009 by patencia

Where scientists have microscopes and rats, philosopher's have people and their minds. What they all do are experiments and, although the former are more costly, the latter are also useful. Philosopher's use "thought experiments" with hypothetical scenarios to test people's intuitions and to draw consequences for real-world issues.

Here are some well known examples:

The Famous Violinist (Test for intuitions on the case of the acceptability of abortion)

"You wake up in the morning and find yourself back to back in bed with a famous unconscious violinist.The Society of Music Lovers kidnapped you, and got the violinist's circulatory system plugged into yours, so he can survive. The director of the hospital now tells you, Look, we're sorry the Society of Music Lovers did this to you--we would never have permitted it if we had known. But to unplug you would be to kill him. But never mind, it's only for nine months. By then he will have recovered from his ailment, and can safely be unplugged from you. Is it morally incumbent on you to accede to this situation?"

In other words, Are you (morally) obliged to stay connected? Judith J. Thomson, the author, thinks you are not. It would be generous if you did, she claims, but there is no obligation to stay, even if that means the violinist will die. She takes this to be a pro-life argument. But of course, this is by no means uncontroversial.

The Trolley Problem and the Fat Man and the Trolley Car

"A trolley is running out of control down a track. In its path are 5 people who have been tied to the track. Fortunately, you can flip a switch, which will lead the trolley down a different track to safety. Unfortunately, there is a single person tied to that track. Should you flip the switch?"

The example becomes more interesting in light of this variant

"As before, a trolley is hurtling down a track towards five people. You are on a bridge under which it will pass, and you can stop it by dropping a heavy weight in front of it. As it happens, there is a very fat man next to you - your only way to stop the trolley is to push him over the bridge and onto the track, killing him to save five. Should you proceed?"

Generally, people approve of flipping the switch in the first case, while they do not find it acceptable to drop the fat guy of the second scenario, even if both cases involve deciding to sacrifice one person to save the remaining five. The philosophical question is: why?

Philosophical experiments don't lead to the discovery of vaccines or antibiotics; they certaily don't safe lives. However, they help us to learn something about us as "moral" individuals, and well, they give you something to talk about during dinner (when you can remember them).

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Tags: philosophy,experiments,intuitions

Comments

written on 10-Feb-2009
albertob says:
One of my favorite art works ever is Bruce Nauman's "Violin tuned D, E, A, D.". It just came to my mind.
written on 10-Feb-2009
cristian.saracco says:
Mmmmmm... In your last example, in the first case you are saving four while in the variant you are killing one!... I don´t know... I'm still thinking of the frozen chicken!

Cheers!
written on 11-Feb-2009
patencia says:
I wonder if your choice of artwork, Albertob, gives us a clue of your opinion on the case of the violinist... (D.E.A.D. = so you would disconnect him?)

As for the the two cases Cris, mmm: yes, that's our normal reaction. But, in both cases, a person is killed and 5 are saved. Or is it that "distance-killing" or indirect-killing (by pushing a button or pulling a handle) is not killing? That thought is tricky, because that's why it was easier for Nazi officers to make massive killings: it didn't feel like killing, they just turned-a-machine-on. It was the machine that killed...
NOW, I just prefer frozen chickens...
written on 11-Feb-2009
cristian.saracco says:
As Battiato sings... Ay, ay, ay, ay ,ay... Paloma!

Understand your point... the same could be considered for today's wars (soldiers think that it's a videogame)...

I'm trying to see it as an attitude towards each situation...
- First case, You are meassuring your options, in both cases there are problems. It's a decision process... Also, considering that the one who's gonna die is a Nobel/Genious/.... you have to choose... And my humble decision is to save the other four
- Second case, you are taking the decision of killing somedoby to save the others... And it looks like a criminal act. In my case, I can directly jump and commit sucide... and save the rest of people (fat enough to stop the troley...). However, if that's the case, you'll see 5 people passing away so fast

Yep, it's tricking!
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
The violinist case I do not get, it´s so obviously biased towards the abortion morals that it´s difficult to make a case. I am not particularly impressed by the fact that the guy is a violinist. Does a violinist require more attention that someone with nothing particularly interesting to offer?
The fact that the ¨violinist¨ fact is included should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment? Am I an excellent pianist? etc...
written on 11-Feb-2009
cristian.saracco says:
Alberto... Are you spaming?
written on 11-Feb-2009
albertob says:
oh gosh....
this bug is called, the "patencia" bug. She was the first on discover it.

anyway, I also wanted to make my point extremely clear
written on 11-Feb-2009
patencia says:
OMG This is like The Shining: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".

You're both absolutely right: the fact that the guy is a violinist (famous or not) is completely irrelevant, actually one could hold that it distorts the whole story. But I think it wouldn't matter much to the argument if the violinist was any anonymous guy. What I think is more important is what Alberto points out afterwards: "[the argument] should be balanced by describing the factors that define the other subject: can I live easily with a violinist attached? does this fact affect anyone else in the environment?" That certainly could change our assessment of the situation, especially considering that pregnancy does not (normally) keep you in bed for 9 months.
As I said, this argument has been extensively criticised, and not only by "pro-life" people... Also, the paper from which this thought experiment is drawn is argumentaly richer... so it is partly my fault for having taken it out of its context.
But anyway, it is still a good topic for a dinner conversation

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Writing Desk » TROLLEYS, VIOLINS AND WHAT THEY CAN TELL YOU ABOUT YOURSELF

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