BerryPick6 comments on Giving What We Can, 80,000 Hours, and Meta-Charity

BerryPick6 4 Dec 2012 16:09 UTC
−3 points

Why would I need to aim to satisfy overall utility including others, as opposed to just that of my own family?

What reason do you have for aiming to satisfy you own utility function, or that of your family’s?

Is any such preference that chooses my own utility over that of others a bias, and not part of my utility function?

I’m afraid this is a little too much lingo for me. Sorry.

Is it an evil bias if I buy myself some tech toys as opposed to donating that amount to my preferred charity?

You’d have to taboo “evil” before I can answer this question.
- Kawoomba 4 Dec 2012 16:51 UTC
  0 points
  Parent
  
  What reason do you have for aiming to satisfy you own utility function
  
  Um, it’s my utility function, that which I aim to maximize and that which already incorporates my e.g. altruistic desires. Postulating “other preferences” that can overrule my utility function would be a contradiction in terms.
  
  The other two questions were more aimed at MugaSofer, who was the one differentiating between preference as a “bias” and as part of your utility function, and who introduced the whole “evil” thing.