CarlShulman comments on Model Uncertainty, Pascalian Reasoning and Utilitarianism - Less Wrong

23 Post author: multifoliaterose 14 June 2011 03:19AM

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Comment author: CarlShulman 15 June 2011 07:43:18PM 8 points [-]

It tells me that I ought to do what I don't want to do on any other than some highly abstract intellectual level. I don't even get the smallest bit of satisfaction out of it, just depression.

If this is really having that effect on you, why not just focus on things other than abstract large-scale ethical dilemmas, e.g. education, career, relationships? Progress on those fronts is likely to make you happier, and if you want to come back to mind-bending ethical conundrums you'll then be able to do so in a more productive and pleasant way. Trying to do something you're depressed and conflicted about is likely to be ineffective or backfire.

Comment author: Benquo 15 June 2011 08:07:39PM 2 points [-]

Yeah, I have found that when my mind breaks, I have to relax while it heals before I can engage it in the same sort of vigorous exercise again.

It's important to remember that that's what is going on. When you become overloaded and concentrate on other things, you are not neglecting your duty. Your mind needs time to heal and become stronger by processing the new information you've given it.

Comment author: Vladimir_Nesov 16 June 2011 11:38:33PM *  1 point [-]

When you become overloaded and concentrate on other things, you are not neglecting your duty.

Not necessarily, sometimes people are doing exactly that, depending on what you mean by "overloaded".

Comment author: Benquo 20 June 2011 02:53:44PM 1 point [-]

Hmm... I think I've slipped into "defending a thesis" mode here. The truth is that the comment you replied to was much too broad, and incorrect as stated, as you correctly pointed out. Thanks for catching my error!

Comment author: Benquo 17 June 2011 12:25:05AM *  0 points [-]

You are right, it depends on the specifics. And if you focus on other things with no plan to ever return to the topic that troubled you, that's different. But if you've learned things that make demands on your mind beyond what it can meet, then failing to do what is in fact impossible for you is not negligence.