Matt_Simpson comments on Values vs. parameters - Less Wrong

9 Post author: PhilGoetz 17 May 2011 05:53AM

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Comment author: Matt_Simpson 18 May 2011 05:40:08AM 2 points [-]

I don't think you have the same notion of instrumental values in mind that everyone else has. Instrumental values aren't values, properly. If X is an instrumental value, all this means is that X is useful for obtaining our values. Examples of instrumental values: money, natural resources, or computing power.

The problem with distinguishing instrumental and terminal values in humans is that it isn't always clear whether you really do value, for example, justice, or if it's just a heuristic for obtaining that which we do value.