Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think the initial trolley problem is a good-faith attempt to try to make the dilemma between utilitarianism (e.g.. save as many as you can) versus categorical imperative (e.g. never take an action that will kill someone) more concrete to see if helps uncover one's deeper motivations. The "racial slur" variant here is clearly intended as a troll; more of a "troll-y" problem if you will.
> The "racial slur" variant here is clearly intended as a troll Why? Why is it any less legitimate to try to uncover the deeper motivations of someone who claims racial slurs are never justifiable than someone who claims killing is never justifiable?
Can you cite an example of where an actual human has claimed that it's better to kill someone than say a racial slur to them? I feel fairly confident that no one actually believes this, and equally confident that no one arguing in good faith would claim that such a person exists without being able to provide an example.