timtyler comments on Hacking the CEV for Fun and Profit - Less Wrong

52 Post author: Wei_Dai 03 June 2010 08:30PM

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Comment author: steven0461 03 June 2010 11:26:43PM 0 points [-]

It seems to me there's a pretty strong correlation between philosophical competence and endorsement of utilitarian (vs egoist) values, and also that most who endorse egoist values do so because they're confused about e.g. various issues around personal identity and the difference between pursuing one's self-interest and following one's own goals.

Comment author: timtyler 04 June 2010 12:44:56AM 0 points [-]

I haven't seen any stats on that issue. Is there any evidence relating to the topic?

Comment author: mattnewport 04 June 2010 02:02:55AM *  4 points [-]

Depending on how you define 'philosophical competence' the results of the PhilPapers survey may be relevant.

The PhilPapers Survey was a survey of professional philosophers and others on their philosophical views, carried out in November 2009. The Survey was taken by 3226 respondents, including 1803 philosophy faculty members and/or PhDs and 829 philosophy graduate students.

Here are the stats for Philosophy Faculty or PhD, All Respondents

Normative ethics: deontology, consequentialism, or virtue ethics?

Other 558 / 1803 (30.9%)
Accept or lean toward: consequentialism 435 / 1803 (24.1%)
Accept or lean toward: virtue ethics 406 / 1803 (22.5%)
Accept or lean toward: deontology 404 / 1803 (22.4%)

And for Philosophy Faculty or PhD, Area of Specialty Normative Ethics

Normative ethics: deontology, consequentialism, or virtue ethics?

Other 80 / 274 (29.1%)
Accept or lean toward: deontology 78 / 274 (28.4%)
Accept or lean toward: consequentialism 66 / 274 (24%)
Accept or lean toward: virtue ethics 50 / 274 (18.2%)

As utilitarianism is a subset of consequentialism it appears you could conclude that utilitarians are a minority in this sample.

Comment author: timtyler 04 June 2010 02:11:12AM *  0 points [-]

Thanks! For perspective:

* 2.1 Utilitarianism
* 2.2 Ethical egoism and altruism
* 2.3 Rule consequentialism
* 2.4 Motive consequentialism
* 2.5 Negative consequentialism
* 2.6 Teleological ethics
Comment author: mattnewport 04 June 2010 02:31:09AM 1 point [-]

Unfortunately the survey doesn't directly address the main distinction in the original post since utilitarianism and egoism are both forms of consequentialism.

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