Good point. Even if maximization is mechanically necessarily to use a metric, elevating it to a principle makes it far too attractive as an objective per se. I wonder to what extent are metrics and optimization themselves individualizing influences.
Good point. Even if maximization is mechanically necessarily to use a metric, elevating it to a principle makes it far too attractive as an objective per se. I wonder to what extent are metrics and optimization themselves individualizing influences.
But we also need to contrast maximization with how we currently approach charity; it seems that EAs care about measurability because the alternative is gut feelings. Giving $10 to the homeless person may _feel_ good, but is it actually good?
A more meta question is how we should even go about comparing / contrasting EA with other philosophies of charity, because each approach will have its own pros and cons.
Good point. Even if maximization is mechanically necessarily to use a metric, elevating it to a principle makes it far too attractive as an objective per se. I wonder to what extent are metrics and optimization themselves individualizing influences.
But we also need to contrast maximization with how we currently approach charity; it seems that EAs care about measurability because the alternative is gut feelings. Giving $10 to the homeless person may _feel_ good, but is it actually good?
A more meta question is how we should even go about comparing / contrasting EA with other philosophies of charity, because each approach will have its own pros and cons.