The Drawbridge Dilemma


Adam was the bridge operator of a railroad drawbridge; his job was to ensure that trains and boats passed safely on the bridge.

One day, he took his eight-year-old son with him to work.

At the bridge, Adam goes into the engine room, and tells his son to stay at the edge of the nearby lake.

A ship is coming, so Adam lifts the bridge.

Though supposed to arrive an hour later, a train filled with passengers also happens to arrive.

Adam’s son sees this, and tries to warn his father.

But Adam wasn’t paying attention and is unaware of the oncoming train.

Just as the oncoming train approaches, his son tries to lower the bridge but falls into the drawbridge gear works, leaving Adam with a horrific choice:

a) to save the train by lowering the bridge but crush his son, or

b) save his son by leaving the bridge open and allowing the train to crash.

What do you think should Adam do? Why?