drethelin comments on Open Thread, September 15-30, 2012 - Less Wrong

7 Post author: OpenThreadGuy 15 September 2012 04:41AM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (206)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: Epiphany 26 September 2012 05:25:31AM *  5 points [-]

I think this is worth it's own post but in light of my last discussion catching fire and burning to the ground, I have decided to request a critique on this one before posting in discussions:

<begin discussion post proposition>

Cryonics Moral Dilemma

Since joining LessWrong, I've been thinking about cryo a lot, and have encountered a dilemma:

According to GiveWell, "We estimate that giving a few thousand dollars to AMF likely saves a person's life." (They do malaria bed nets if you're not familiar).

Cryo costs tens of thousands of dollars, and it's not guaranteed to save even one life.

I don't see how I would ever justify signing up, myself, unless I show that I'm capable of making a large enough difference in the world that rescuing my difference making abilities justifies the risk and cost.

This also means "Reddit, help me find some peace I'm dying young" is a cute puppy dog cause. :/

Does anyone relate? What are your thoughts?

<end discussion post proposition>

please critique the proposed discussion post

Comment author: drethelin 28 September 2012 06:36:23AM 2 points [-]

For me the argument is the same as for why I don't live a pauper and give all my wealth to charity: Selfishness. I know that I can feed someone for a long time on the money I spend on a trip somewhere, and I still prefer to take the trip. I will spend a lot more money on myself than I will on a friend, and a lot more on a friend than on a stranger.

Note: I am not signed up for Cryonics.