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Incorrect comments on I've had it with those dark rumours about our culture rigorously suppressing opinions - Less Wrong Discussion

26 Post author: Multiheaded 25 January 2012 05:43PM

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Comment author: Incorrect 25 January 2012 07:03:47PM *  2 points [-]

Don't forget that when arguing against these you don't have to assume simple terminal values.

For example, I would respond to "Strict hierarchy in everyday life based on facts from the ansectral environment (men dominating women, fathers having the right of life and death over their children, etc)" with "Although this may lead to higher expected utility from other terminal values, it incurs a large negative/opportunity cost in utility in and of itself. Such a strict hierarchy would have to lead to huge benefits before I would consider it a acceptable option."

Also consider ethical injunctions. For example, "if my system of ethics determines it is a good idea to kill someone and not in direct defense of myself/others then I should ignore it."