dlthomas comments on Rationality Drugs - Less Wrong

26 Post author: lukeprog 01 October 2011 11:20AM

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Comment author: DuncanS 01 October 2011 09:42:31PM *  0 points [-]

On the other hand, you should consider what evolution can do. Evolution is not the world's best algorithm for inventing things. However, it is an excellent optimising algorithm. Balancing multiple considerations to decide the optimum amount of substance A in your body is the sort of problem that algorithm should do really well.

Essentially the only exception to this rule is when your cells are reacting to DNA/RNA that doesn't belong to you. If cold virus RNA is making your nose run, stop it by all means. But you should trust your own body on most other matters - adding extra chemicals is likely to turn out worse....

Note what's being optimised here - not intelligence, but biological fitness - how likely you are to reproduce successfully. You might improve intelligence somewhat, but there if there isn't a downside somewhere then Darwin was wrong.....

Comment author: dlthomas 05 October 2011 09:22:13PM 7 points [-]

Maybe inclusive genetic fitness is not my utility function.

Comment author: soreff 05 October 2011 09:33:04PM 2 points [-]

Same here. As a childfree human, maximizing the number of copies of my DNA is right up there with paperclip maximization on my list of priorities. :-)

One other categories of exceptions: We aren't in the EEA anymore. In particular, we have much looser constraints on available calories than in the EEA, and that changes the optimal settings even for reproductive success.