A stray train of thoughts led me to this thought experiment which I found interesting and decided to share with you. But before outlining the conditions of the experiment some preparatory guidelines:

You will be presented with two buttons and the conditions of the experiment and you will have to make a choice of which button to choose. Now before reading forward, make sure you understand this. The experiment will have two modes. One is “quick” mode the other is “contemplation /slow” mode.

The quick mode will request your immediate reaction to the question and thus takes place first.

After reading the conditions of the experiment you will have to take a decision in 5 seconds. You may want to set a timer for that otherwise you will – most probably – cheat.

If you fail to take a decision in 5 seconds the experiment assumes that both buttons will be pressed automatically and both outcomes will take place simultaneously. Since both outcomes are bad, this condition should act as a deterrent to inaction.

In “slow” mode, you will have to contemplate the decision as long as you want then make a choice.

So here’s the experiment (don’t forget to set your counter beforehand).

***

You are presented with two buttons:

Pressing the red button kills you instantly. There is no suffering or conscious knowledge of your demise. You instantly stop existing. Nobody else is physically harmed.

The black button kills 90,000 people that you have never met across the whole world. This is not an instant death. There is excruciating suffering involved before they actually die.

Which button do you push?

If you press no button both are automatically pressed after 5 seconds

5 seconds – go!

***

OK, now take a step back and get into slow mode. Re-think your decision as long as you want then press the button.

***

Did your initial decision change?

For me, the crux of the exercise is to successfully realise the implications and totality of your sudden and irreversible demise. If you manage to grasp that, the whole experiment becomes way more powerful.

Here are some additional considerations/ variations:

1. Change 90,000 people with 90,000 children. Does that affect your decision? Now change that again with 90,000 elderly people.  What about now?
2. What if nobody is to ever know your decision no matter which one that is? How does that affect a possible positive heroic sacrifice?  Would you still sacrifice yourself if absolutely no one was to ever know?  What about a possible negative decision (hideous slaughter of 90,000 innocents?). Would it affect your decision if no one ever knew it was you -guaranteed?
3. What then, if everyone knew?
4. What if by pressing the red button, not just you but all memories of your existence disappear with you. What if the red button shapes reality like you have never existed?  In this case your demise, causes zero harm or suffering. Not only to yourself but to loved ones as well. Does that affect your decision?