As rationalists, it is crucial to consider the uncertainty surrounding marine animal sentience and err on the side of caution. One way to do this is to adopt the principle of “expected moral value,” which implies that we should consider both the probability of an animal being sentient and the magnitude of its potential suffering when making dietary decisions
This is a recipe for Pascal’s Mugging.
Also, there’s “uncertainty” about whether fetuses, plants, or video game characters are sentient. Do you recommend the same caution for those? (Given that your supposed principle doesn’t consider the magnitude of the uncertainty?)
This is a recipe for Pascal’s Mugging.
Also, there’s “uncertainty” about whether fetuses, plants, or video game characters are sentient. Do you recommend the same caution for those? (Given that your supposed principle doesn’t consider the magnitude of the uncertainty?)