I find it odd that you list “Prayer / worship” as a benefit without even a ±.
In general, the presence of ± items makes the list read a little oddly; some of them seem clearly bad to me (on net, though I do understand they have some benefit), which gets me in the mode of expecting a pros and cons list, and then being confused when an obvious con isn’t listed.
Thanks. Yes, maybe it should have a +/-, so I’ve added one. A bit borderline. My justification for not giving one was that research shows religion produces a substantial increase in wellbeing (and I’m a utilitarian so put a high value on that); but I agree it often comes with a significant cost (to rationality etc.)
There were quite a few borderline cases, so the +/- may not seem that useful, but I wanted to acknowledge that e.g. failures of businesses, charities and educational institutions involve substantial short-term harms, even if probably net beneficial (clearing out dead wood etc.)
I find it odd that you list “Prayer / worship” as a benefit without even a ±.
In general, the presence of ± items makes the list read a little oddly; some of them seem clearly bad to me (on net, though I do understand they have some benefit), which gets me in the mode of expecting a pros and cons list, and then being confused when an obvious con isn’t listed.
Overall, great post, though. Strong upvote.
Thanks. Yes, maybe it should have a +/-, so I’ve added one. A bit borderline. My justification for not giving one was that research shows religion produces a substantial increase in wellbeing (and I’m a utilitarian so put a high value on that); but I agree it often comes with a significant cost (to rationality etc.)
There were quite a few borderline cases, so the +/- may not seem that useful, but I wanted to acknowledge that e.g. failures of businesses, charities and educational institutions involve substantial short-term harms, even if probably net beneficial (clearing out dead wood etc.)