DavidAgain comments on On manipulating others - Less Wrong

-4 Post author: Jonii 16 June 2013 05:44PM

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Comment author: DavidAgain 20 June 2013 10:25:03AM 1 point [-]

I think friendships can be instrumentally good, obviously. But there's a distinction between ways in which friendships are instrumentally good. If I discovered a friend of mine revealing that they were only my friend for the fantastic conversation, the excellent company, the superb sense of humour etc. I wouldn't feel cheated. If I found out they were only my friend because I drove a car and it was convenient for them to get around, I would feel cheated.

Comment author: Decius 21 June 2013 02:25:25AM 1 point [-]

I never specified 'only'.

Suppose there were two people with equally good conversation, company, humor, &tc, one of whom had a car, and only enough time/resources for a hypothetical third party to develop a friendship with one of them? Would you feel cheated if your mundane instrumental utility was a factor at all?

Comment author: DavidAgain 21 June 2013 06:25:18AM 0 points [-]

You clearly implied "only". The external favours were the basis of the motivation.

"It isn't immoral to notice that someone values friendship, and then to be their friend [b]in order to get the favors[/b] from them that they willingly provide to their friends"

In answer to your question: I'd still find it a little weird, tbh.