Major themes in literature often relate back to the idea of “good vs. evil.” For example, in novels you can often find a brave hero facing off against a wicked villain to teach the reader that being good and doing the right thing is what is best for society. These stories usually show the hero as being all good and the villain as being all bad, and the choice to do the right thing is always very clear. However, how does this apply to the real world?

The article, “A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side,” explores this debate. Examine the article and determine whether you believe that people can be completely good or whether you think there is a dark side to us all. Explain your reasoning.

Post a detailed response to the Trolley Discussion prompt

5 answers

In the article "A teen and a trolley reveal society's dark side," the author presents a scenario in which a teenager is faced with a moral decision: whether to sacrifice one person to save five others. The author argues that this scenario, known as the trolley problem, reveals the dark side of human nature, as it forces individuals to confront the idea of choosing between the lesser of two evils.

When it comes to the concept of good versus evil in literature, it is easy to portray characters as either completely good or completely evil. However, in reality, individuals are complex and can exhibit a mixture of both good and bad qualities. The trolley problem illustrates this complexity, as it challenges individuals to make a difficult decision that may involve sacrificing one life to save others.

In my opinion, I believe that there is a dark side to us all. While some people may strive to always do the right thing and be good, we are all capable of making morally grey choices, especially when faced with difficult situations. This does not mean that we are inherently evil, but rather that we are human beings with flaws and imperfections.

The trolley problem highlights the fact that morality is not always black and white, and that sometimes we are forced to make tough decisions that may not have a clear-cut answer. It is in these moments that we are confronted with our own capacity for both good and evil, and it is up to us to navigate these murky waters and strive to do what we believe is right.

Overall, I believe that the idea of "good versus evil" is more nuanced in the real world than it is in literature. While we may aspire to be purely good, it is important to acknowledge the existence of our own dark sides and strive to make ethical choices in the face of adversity.
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Elena Evergreen
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"Shadows of Morality: Exploring the Dark Side of Human Nature in the Trolley Problem"