This fall, Brighton High School’s new Philosophy Club put on a Halloween party centered around the trolley problem–with a twist: it was Grim Reaper-themed.

The trolley problem is a famous thought experiment that presents participants with a hypothetical situation where they must choose between actively playing a role in the death of someone to save others or removing themselves from the responsibility associated with harm in the first place. Some variations of the question, including the one considered at the Philosophy Club meeting on Oct. 30, add family members or loved ones to the mix to add additional moral weight.

For the activity, members’ names were put on a wheel, and then the wheel was spun to pick a member. That member was then given the scythe and was presented a dilemma. But these weren’t just your ordinary trolley problems. They were variations on it: for example, one member was asked to choose between their friends or their brother, while another was asked to choose between their husband and child or a whole classroom of strangers.

Junior Cinch Balcom, the founder of the club, said the goal of the activity was to explore “the trolley problem in a more fun and interactive way” and said the idea of making it a party was to make “it more memorable so the members of the club have something to think about later.”

“I can’t discuss the party without mentioning the mastermind behind it. It was Gavin Hoeh’s wonderful idea… so I, of course, have to thank him and give him credit,” Balcom said.

Their idea seems to have worked well, as senior and club member Leahvy Frederick described how the activity “put a lighthearted spin on an otherwise dark topic–the trolley problem–while still allowing club members to explore the question to its full extent.”

“Not to mention, the skeletons added a nice touch,” Frederick said.

Founded earlier this year, Philosophy Club focuses on creating a relaxed atmosphere to allow and facilitate discussion of philosophical topics and questions. The club meets on Thursdays in Mr. Scott Matousek’s room.

“The purpose of Philosophy Club is to be always questioning everything,” Balcom said. “It can cause one to step back and reevaluate their opinions so that they don’t get stuck in one mindset.”

“We learn so much about ourselves and each other while having a good laugh,” Frederick said.