This seems mainly to be about the importance of compromise: that something is better than nothing. Refusing only makes sense when there are “multiple games”, like the Prisoner’s Dilemma; if you can’t find an institution that is similar enough, then don’t do it.
But I think there is some risk to joining a cause that “seems” worth it. (I can’t find it, but) I remember an article on LessWrong about the dangers of signing petitions, which can influence your beliefs significantly despite the smallness of the action.
This seems mainly to be about the importance of compromise: that something is better than nothing. Refusing only makes sense when there are “multiple games”, like the Prisoner’s Dilemma; if you can’t find an institution that is similar enough, then don’t do it.
But I think there is some risk to joining a cause that “seems” worth it. (I can’t find it, but) I remember an article on LessWrong about the dangers of signing petitions, which can influence your beliefs significantly despite the smallness of the action.