Re: BluffThis and Chezlaw\'s Weird Philosophical Contortions
Could I venture that this is the difference between accomplises and bystanders.
The 8 are bystanders and not required for the kill. They're just unfortunately in the wrong place at the time. Much like the guy on the other train track when you divert the carriage to avoid 5 other guys (it's ok). You're not taking an active decision to kill them.
The 5 are accomplises in the killing. You are taking an active decision to kill them because this is how you know he's not in the shelter. Much like pushing a guy into the carriages path to stop it killing 5 guys (not ok).
I'm not advocating a personal opinion either way but you asked for an explanation and I think this is it - more easily seen when moved back to the trusty carriage on a track thought experiments. BluffThis and chezlaw may not agree with me of course.
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