I wonder what exactly are the differences and if I am correct with my assumptions. The trolley problem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_problem
Now:
For the utilitarian, the only morally significant factor in the trolley cases is the number of lives saved. How those lives are saved does not matter. So a utilitarian would judge that in the first case, we should pull the switch, directing the trolley away from the larger group and toward the single man. One life is lost and four are saved. The utilitarian would also say that in the second case, we should push the fat man off the bridge and into the path of the trolley. Again, one life is lost and four are saved. Since the consequences are the same, the acts are equally right.
But we have two ways...
Preference utilitarianism is a non-hedonistic alternative to classic utilitarianism is preference utilitarianism • An act is morally right if and only if that act maximizes the good • The good = the total good of all humans or even all sentient beings
Now, in this case: all humans are not being treated equally, so you don't a thing.
Immanuel Kant:
- Pulling the lever: is okay, as it means you are not using the person
- Pushing the fat man: NOT okay, as it means you are using the person
Classical Utilitarians:
- Pulling the lever: is okay, as you save 5 lives, even though you kill one person.
- Pushing the fat man: is okay, as you save 5 lives, even though you kill one person.
Preference Utilitarians:
- Pulling the lever: NOT okay, as not all humans are being treated the same way.
- Pushing the fat man: NOT okay, as not all humans are being treated the same way.
Or am I totally wrong here? I have read a lot of things and am very confused right now.