CCC comments on On Caring - Less Wrong

99 Post author: So8res 15 October 2014 01:59AM

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Comment author: CCC 14 October 2014 07:32:55AM 2 points [-]

Consider a possible invention called a neuronic whip (taken from Asimov's Foundation series). The neuronic whip, when fired at someone, does no direct damage but triggers all of the "pain" nerves at a given intensity.

Assume that Jim is hit by a neuronic whip, briefly and at low intensity. There is no damage, but there is pain. Because there is pain, Jim would almost certainly consider this a misfortune, and would prefer that it had not happened; yet there is no damage.

So, considering this counterexample, I'd say that no, not every possible misfortune includes damage. Though I imagine that most do.

Comment author: Lumifer 14 October 2014 06:00:21PM 2 points [-]

Consider a possible invention called a neuronic whip (taken from Asimov's Foundation series).

No need for sci-fi.

Comment author: hyporational 14 October 2014 09:53:01AM *  0 points [-]

Much of what could be called damage in this context wouldn't necessarily happen within your body, you can take damage to your reputation for example.

You can certainly be deluded about receiving damage especially in the social game.

Comment author: CCC 14 October 2014 02:29:33PM 0 points [-]

That is true; but it's enough to create a single counterexample, so I can simply specify the neuronic whip being used under circumstances where there is no social damage (e.g. the neuronic whip was discharged accidentally, no-one know Jim was there to be hit by it).

Comment author: hyporational 14 October 2014 02:58:57PM 0 points [-]

Yes. I didn't mean to refute your idea in any way and quite liked it. Forgot to upvote it though. I merely wanted to add a real world example.