Trial by Trolley : Teaching Ethical Decision-Making Through Playful Moral Dilemmas

Abstract

This article presents Trial by Trolley, a commercially available card game adapted for use in management classrooms to teach ethical reasoning and decision-making. In each round, one learner plays the “conductor,” deciding which of two tracks the trolley will take, while peers construct morally charged scenarios using character and modifier cards. The accessible mechanics, humor, and time pressure of the game create a low-stakes yet emotionally engaging environment that prompts learners to grapple with core ethical principles. When used in small groups, the game encourages learners to explore and articulate competing moral frameworks such as consequentialist, deontological, and virtue-based reasoning. It also fosters respectful deliberation and ethical self-reflection. Trial by Trolley has been implemented with more than 75 master’s-level students and provides a flexible, scalable activity that supports experiential learning objectives in ethics and responsible management education.