thomblake comments on On dollars, utility, and crack cocaine - Less Wrong

13 Post author: PhilGoetz 04 April 2009 12:00AM

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Comment author: jimrandomh 04 April 2009 01:55:15PM 1 point [-]

If we really wanted to maximize happiness, then we'd jump at the chance to wirehead ourselves. We don't, because happiness is only an indicator of what we desire, not the thing we desire itself. Making yourself happier using drugs is like making yourself wealthier by telling your bank to lie to you on account statements.

Comment author: thomblake 06 April 2009 09:22:07PM 2 points [-]

It seems as though you're equivocating over 'happiness'. You suggest that happiness is just an indicator, not the thing we desire itself. Your analogy suggests otherwise. Having your bank lie to you on your statements does not actually make you wealthier. Similarly, using drugs to feel pleasure doesn't actually make you happier.

I prefer the latter usage.