MugaSofer comments on Thought experiment: The transhuman pedophile - Less Wrong

6 Post author: PhilGoetz 17 September 2013 10:38PM

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Comment author: MugaSofer 20 September 2013 07:22:29AM *  0 points [-]

So, OK, X is a pedophile. Which is to say, X terminally values having sex with children

No, he terminally values being attracted to children.

That doesn't seem like the usual definition of "pedophile". How does that tie in with "a rational agent should never change it's utility function"?

Incidentally, many people would rather be attracted only to their SO; it's part of the idealised "romantic love" thingy.

Comment author: Luke_A_Somers 20 September 2013 01:05:12PM *  0 points [-]

The guy in the example happens to terminally value being attracted to children. I didn't mean that that's what being a pedophile means.

Aside from that, I am not sure how the way this ties into "A rational agent should never change its utility function" is unclear - he observes his impulses, interprets them as his goals, and seeks to maintain them.

As for SOs? Yes, I suppose many people would so prefer. I'm not an ideal romantic, and I have had so little trouble avoiding straying that I feel no need to get rid of them to make my life easier.

Comment author: MugaSofer 20 September 2013 07:12:21PM 1 point [-]

Fair enough. Thanks for clarifying.