← Famous thought dilemmas

Dilemma 5 of 10

Buridan’s Ass

A donkey placed exactly between two identical piles of hay starves, because it can’t decide which one to eat.

Imagine

Two life paths, equally appealing. No clue which one leads to more joy.

Origin

Named after the 14th-century philosopher Jean Buridan, to illustrate indecision.

Ask yourself

Can indecision itself be a dangerous decision?

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Show all ten dilemmas
  1. 01The Trolley ProblemDoes saving more lives outweigh taking a life through your action?→
  2. 02The Experience MachineWould you trade truth for the feeling of joy?→
  3. 03The Ship of TheseusWhat makes you you — the parts, or the continuity?→
  4. 04The Heinz DilemmaDoes morality bend for love — or for survival?→
  5. 05Buridan’s AssCan indecision itself be a dangerous decision?→
  6. 06The Bystander EffectWhat makes someone take the first step to help?→
  7. 07The Omelas DilemmaCan happiness be built on someone else’s suffering?→
  8. 08The Prisoner’s DilemmaIs mutual trust stronger than self-preservation?→
  9. 09Experience vs. MemoryDo we live for how things feel in the moment — or how we recall them?→
  10. 10The Lifeboat DilemmaWho decides who’s worth saving when not everyone can be?→