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Murder on the VR Express: Studying the Impact of Thought Experiments at a Distance in Virtual Reality

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew Kissel

    (Philosophy and Religious Studies, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA)

  • Krzysztof J. Rechowicz

    (Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center, Old Dominion University, Suffolk, VA 23435, USA)

  • John B. Shull

    (Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center, Old Dominion University, Suffolk, VA 23435, USA)

Abstract

Hypothetical thought experiments allow researchers to gain insights into widespread moral intuitions and provide opportunities for individuals to explore their moral commitments. Previous thought experiment studies in virtual reality (VR) required participants to come to an on-site laboratory, which possibly restricted the study population, introduced an observer effect, and made internal reflection on the participants’ part more difficult. These shortcomings are particularly crucial today, as results from such studies are increasingly impacting the development of artificial intelligence systems, self-driving cars, and other technologies. This paper explores the viability of deploying thought experiments in commercially available in-home VR headsets. We conducted a study that presented the trolley problem , a life-and-death moral dilemma, through SideQuestVR, a third-party website and community that facilitates loading applications onto Oculus headsets. Thirty-three individuals were presented with one of two dilemmas: (1) a decision to save five lives at the cost of one life by pulling a switch and (2) a decision to save five lives at the cost of one life by pushing a person onto train tracks. The results were consistent with those of previous VR studies, suggesting that a “VR-at-a-distance” approach to thought experiments has a promising future while indicating lessons for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Kissel & Krzysztof J. Rechowicz & John B. Shull, 2023. "Murder on the VR Express: Studying the Impact of Thought Experiments at a Distance in Virtual Reality," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:13:y:2023:i:3:p:69-:d:1096462
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dickinson, David L. & Masclet, David, 2019. "Using ethical dilemmas to predict antisocial choices with real payoff consequences: An experimental study," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 195-215.
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