On 2: I think the point is simply that, as noted in footnote 8, the ‘train to crazy town’ reasoning can apply quite directly to comparisons between states of affairs with no lingering uncertainty (Savagean consequences). When we apply the reasoning in this way, two features arise: (a) Uncertainty, and frameworks for dealing with uncertainty, no longer have a role to play as we are certain about outcomes. This is the case with e.g. the Very Repugnant Conclusion. (b) The absurdities that are generated apply directly at the level of axiology, rather than ‘infecting’ axiology via normative ethics. If we read multi-level utilitarianism as an attempt to insulate axiology from ethics, then it can’t help in this case. Of course, multi-level utilitarians are often more willing to be bullet-biters! But the point is just that they do have to bite the bullet.
On 2: I think the point is simply that, as noted in footnote 8, the ‘train to crazy town’ reasoning can apply quite directly to comparisons between states of affairs with no lingering uncertainty (Savagean consequences). When we apply the reasoning in this way, two features arise:
(a) Uncertainty, and frameworks for dealing with uncertainty, no longer have a role to play as we are certain about outcomes. This is the case with e.g. the Very Repugnant Conclusion.
(b) The absurdities that are generated apply directly at the level of axiology, rather than ‘infecting’ axiology via normative ethics. If we read multi-level utilitarianism as an attempt to insulate axiology from ethics, then it can’t help in this case. Of course, multi-level utilitarians are often more willing to be bullet-biters! But the point is just that they do have to bite the bullet.