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Wei_Dai comments on Why Do We Engage in Moral Simplification? - Less Wrong Discussion
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In fact, I'm not sure, but it does seem suspicious that different people, applying the same heuristic, can reach conclusions as different as utilitarianism and egoism. I guess I have another heuristic which says that in situations like this, don't do anything irreversible (which adopting a moral system can be if it permanently changes your moral intuitions) until I have a better idea of what is going on.
I'm not sure there is all that much difference at the behavioral level between a utilitarian (who sometimes fails to act in accordance with his proclaimed values) and an egoist (who sometimes fails to notice that he could have 'gotten away with it').
I think your second heuristic is a good one, though I don't personally know anyone who is so closed minded that they would be unable to undo the adoption of a moral system and the changed intuitions that came with it.
I think the more sophisticated versions of egoism and utilitarianism have a tendency to meet in the middle anyway. Good egoists aren't supposed to Prudently Predate (because of the effect it has on society--rather utilitarianish that). Realistiic ultilitaians needn't indulge in relentless self sacrifice.