On the implausibility of tram problems (sometimes, mistakenly, called 'trolley problems')

As somebody observed, Phillipa Foot's tram problems - tea trolleys are seldom lethal - are not commonly discussed in philosophy tea rooms.

Partly because all tram problems are attempts to force you to think like a utilitarian. Ignoring the fact that we do not know the future, induction being unreliable, so we are never entirely sure of the consequences of our actions. A serious flaw in all flavours of consequentialism.

The motivation to tie people to tram lines in anticipation of possible brake failures is entirely unclear, and almost certainly implausible. In a police procedural film, even in 'Midsomer Murders', which specialises in amusingly implausible methods of dispatch, it would not convince.

Besides, if you look at the practicality, it is extremely difficult to tie people to tram lines, you'd need special clips manufactured for the purpose. With the intended victims wriggling to get away, and shouting, somebody would probably call the police, who'd put an end to the exercise, and section you, for, clearly, having a disturbed mind.

Furthermore, trams have fail-safe brakes, and a deadman's handle - so they don't run away.