I’ve not read the comments so perhaps repeating something (or saying something that someone has already refuted/critiques).
I think it’s problematic to net all this out on an individual bases much less some aggregate level even for a single species much less multiple species.
First, we’re adaptive creatures so the scale is always sliding over time and as we act.
Second, disutility feeds into actions that produce utility (using your terms which might be wrong as my meaning here is want/discomfort/non-satisfaction and satisfaction/fulfillment type internal states). If on net a person is on the plus side of the scale you defined what do they do? In this case I’m thinking of some of the scifi themes I’ve read/seen where some VR tool leave the person happy but then they just starve to death.
Finally, isn’t the best counter here the oft stated quip “Life sucks but it’s better than the alternative.” If one accepts that statement then arguments the lead to the conclusion choosing death (and especially the death of others) really need to review the underlying premises. At least one must be false as a general case argument. (I’ll concede that in certain special/individual cases death may be preferred to the conditions of living)
I’ve not read the comments so perhaps repeating something (or saying something that someone has already refuted/critiques).
I think it’s problematic to net all this out on an individual bases much less some aggregate level even for a single species much less multiple species.
First, we’re adaptive creatures so the scale is always sliding over time and as we act.
Second, disutility feeds into actions that produce utility (using your terms which might be wrong as my meaning here is want/discomfort/non-satisfaction and satisfaction/fulfillment type internal states). If on net a person is on the plus side of the scale you defined what do they do? In this case I’m thinking of some of the scifi themes I’ve read/seen where some VR tool leave the person happy but then they just starve to death.
Finally, isn’t the best counter here the oft stated quip “Life sucks but it’s better than the alternative.” If one accepts that statement then arguments the lead to the conclusion choosing death (and especially the death of others) really need to review the underlying premises. At least one must be false as a general case argument. (I’ll concede that in certain special/individual cases death may be preferred to the conditions of living)