Acausal version: “If you have goals that would be served by you existing, then try to have many kids because it increases the number of worlds in which you exist.” Note how this completely ignores the “fact” that you “already exist”—of course you do, we’re living in a multiverse! What’s left to you is to increase the measure.
Causal version 1: “If you’re a good person, and you believe the world needs more good people, then try to have many kids.” Note that this argument doesn’t rely on genetics only: how your kids will turn out depends on nurture too. Which brings us to...
Causal version 2: “If you have a good idea, and you believe the world needs more people who agree with that idea, then try to spread it.” In other words, exactly what Eliezer is doing by creating LW :-)
Good stuff, thanks.
Acausal version: “If you have goals that would be served by you existing, then try to have many kids because it increases the number of worlds in which you exist.” Note how this completely ignores the “fact” that you “already exist”—of course you do, we’re living in a multiverse! What’s left to you is to increase the measure.
Causal version 1: “If you’re a good person, and you believe the world needs more good people, then try to have many kids.” Note that this argument doesn’t rely on genetics only: how your kids will turn out depends on nurture too. Which brings us to...
Causal version 2: “If you have a good idea, and you believe the world needs more people who agree with that idea, then try to spread it.” In other words, exactly what Eliezer is doing by creating LW :-)