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Solvent comments on Morality Isn't Logical - Less Wrong Discussion

19 Post author: Wei_Dai 26 December 2012 11:08PM

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Comment author: Solvent 28 December 2012 04:27:19AM 0 points [-]

This seems like it has makings of an interesting poll question.

I agree. Let's do that. You're consequentialist, right?

I'd phrase my opinion as "I have terminal value for people not suffering, including people who have done something wrong. I acknowledge that sometimes causing suffering might have instrumental value, such as imprisonment for crimes."

How do you phrase yours? If I were to guess, it would be "I have a terminal value which says that people who have caused suffering should suffer themselves."

I'll make a Discussion post about this after I get your refinement of the question?

Comment author: ArisKatsaris 28 December 2012 01:18:25PM *  0 points [-]

I'd suggest the following two phrasings:

  • I place terminal value to retribution (inflicting suffering on the causers of suffering), at least for some of the most egregious cases.
  • I do not place terminal value to retribution, not even for the most egregious cases (e.g. mass murderers). I acknowledge that sometimes it may have instrumental value.

Perhaps also add a third choice:

  • I think I place terminal value to retribution, but I would prefer it if I could self-modify so that I wouldn't.
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