What does discussion of optimums say other than ‘there might be a system better than the current system?’
It reminds people that it exist and that we should be spending some resources searching for it. Recall that “democratic” is the original applause light that Eliezer chose to explain the concept of the applause light.
As to the idea that it is unikely other acheivable and better optimums exist, are you seriously suggesting that mankind stumbeled upon the best possible or even a very good form of government built out of humans so early in its history? After what 200 years of experimentation? Monarchy has a track record of millenia that isn’t obviously worse or better than democracy but that at least demonstrates long term compatibility with civilization and stability. Democracy has much weaker evidence in this regard.
Yet here we are loving democracy and despising monarchy without anyone giving it much thought. I have heard several explanations for this, but the one that I find fits best is that we where told as children that Democracy exists and is good. I’m not claiming with certainty we weren’t told that for good reasons, certainly I bet we where told that by people with the best of intentions, but maybe the reasons, despite the intentions, weren’t good. Its not like that never happens.
It reminds people that it exist and that we should be spending some resources searching for it. Recall that “democratic” is the original applause light that Eliezer chose to explain the concept of the applause light.
As to the idea that it is unikely other acheivable and better optimums exist, are you seriously suggesting that mankind stumbeled upon the best possible or even a very good form of government built out of humans so early in its history? After what 200 years of experimentation? Monarchy has a track record of millenia that isn’t obviously worse or better than democracy but that at least demonstrates long term compatibility with civilization and stability. Democracy has much weaker evidence in this regard.
Yet here we are loving democracy and despising monarchy without anyone giving it much thought. I have heard several explanations for this, but the one that I find fits best is that we where told as children that Democracy exists and is good. I’m not claiming with certainty we weren’t told that for good reasons, certainly I bet we where told that by people with the best of intentions, but maybe the reasons, despite the intentions, weren’t good. Its not like that never happens.
So why not try to have a good crisis of faith over it?