Vladimir_Nesov comments on What big goals do we have? - Less Wrong

10 Post author: cousin_it 19 January 2010 04:35PM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (92)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: byrnema 19 January 2010 07:33:58PM *  3 points [-]

We're the product of evolution, yes? That's what I meant by 'designed'.

When I drive to the store, I have a reason: to buy milk. I also have a reason to buy milk. I also have a reason for that. A chain of reasons ending in a terminal value given to me by evolution -- something you and I consider 'good'. However, I have no loyalty to evolution. Why should I care about the terminal value it instilled in me? Well, I understand it made me care. I also understand that the rebellion I feel about being forced to do everything is also the product of evolution. And I finally understand that there's no limit in how bad the experience can be for me as a result of these conflicting desires. I happen to be kind of OK (just angry) but the universe would just look on, incuriously, if I decided to go berserk and prove there was no God by showing there is no limit on how horrible the universe could be. How's that for a big goal?

I imagine that somebody who cares about me will suggest I don't post anything for a while, until I feel more sociable. I'll take that advice.

Comment author: Vladimir_Nesov 19 January 2010 11:50:16PM *  5 points [-]

However, I have no loyalty to evolution. Why should I care about the terminal value it instilled in me?

You shouldn't care about your values because they're instilled in you by evolution, your true alien Creator. It is the same mistake as believing you have to behave morally because God says so. You care about your values not because of their historical origin or specifically privileged status, but because they happen to be the final judge of what you care about.