Is there an inherent value to human (or sentient) life?
That's a question about an individual utility function, not rationality. I can't convince you why your utility function should have a term for the existence of other humans. But my utility function does. As it does for puppies, flowers, and double rainbows.
I see I've mistaken the word "inherent" to mean "many people share a term for the existence of humans". Thanks.
I've read through some of the Sequences, but I'm still unclear on a few basic concepts around LW rationality. This is in part to my learning still which benefits from social engagement (ie discussions) rather than just reading. One of those concepts I'm unclear on: Is there an inherent value to human (or sentient) life?
It appears to me that one common theme on this site is that human life (current and future) is very important. Why is that so? Why is the goal people over paper clips?