i would intervene with the tortoise, and i’d happily wear the consequences. I’m not obliged to be a pure witness nor am i bound by any kind of prime directive. I can explain to my conscience why an extra tortoise exists due to my actions but i couldn’t say the same about the trolley problem without extra information.

For example, if i am being observed then my decision becomes data, which carries its own weight and precedent. If the situation was arranged to view my response, then I am obliged to not participate, to send a signal to the experimenters to not tie anyone up on the tracks for future observers. I condemn everyone in front of me to death but how do i know they won’t be killed regardless? whoever arranged the situation obviously didn’t value their lives very highly…