We’ve wandered far afield. I’ll sum up my position and bail.
Yes, people respond to incentives. Of course. But if you are going to pull out one specific incentive and look at it carefully, the question becomes whether it’s relevant and does it make any noticeable difference. Statistically speaking, you’re interested in the effect size and not merely in p-value proving the existence of something.
Human actions are the net sum of a very large variety of forces, some of which are incentives and there are a lot of different ones, too. Does the particular incentive that you’re interested in make a detectable difference in the outcome you care about? If not, then why are you talking about it? Quantum effects exist and affect the trajectory of the golf ball and yet no one incorporates them into the optimization of their golf swing—for a very good reason.
“Exists but irrelevant” is a description that can (and should) be applied to many things.
I have no idea how anyone could deny religious afterlife beliefs have no significant impact in human motivation and, thereby, human behavior. I think we have abundant evidence to the contrary, and you’ve provided no evidence for your view.
I have at least noticed a change in incentives in my own life, and yes, it makes a detectable difference in outcomes. I am certainly not about to become a serial killer, but there are many good things that I am less motivated to do than I used to be, and consequently, noticeably less likely to actually do.
I agree with Brillyant that his argument is basically obviously, and arguing against it is simply wishful thinking.
We’ve wandered far afield. I’ll sum up my position and bail.
Yes, people respond to incentives. Of course. But if you are going to pull out one specific incentive and look at it carefully, the question becomes whether it’s relevant and does it make any noticeable difference. Statistically speaking, you’re interested in the effect size and not merely in p-value proving the existence of something.
Human actions are the net sum of a very large variety of forces, some of which are incentives and there are a lot of different ones, too. Does the particular incentive that you’re interested in make a detectable difference in the outcome you care about? If not, then why are you talking about it? Quantum effects exist and affect the trajectory of the golf ball and yet no one incorporates them into the optimization of their golf swing—for a very good reason.
“Exists but irrelevant” is a description that can (and should) be applied to many things.
I have no idea how anyone could deny religious afterlife beliefs have no significant impact in human motivation and, thereby, human behavior. I think we have abundant evidence to the contrary, and you’ve provided no evidence for your view.
Good chat.
I have at least noticed a change in incentives in my own life, and yes, it makes a detectable difference in outcomes. I am certainly not about to become a serial killer, but there are many good things that I am less motivated to do than I used to be, and consequently, noticeably less likely to actually do.
I agree with Brillyant that his argument is basically obviously, and arguing against it is simply wishful thinking.