Laura, I think you’re right that there’s a distinction not being made, but I’m not sure it’s the one you say it is. Rather, “death gives meaning to life” could mean (1) “some of the things we find meaningful have meanings that are as they are partly because of death” or (2) “it’s because of death that life has meaning”. #1 is probably true, but doesn’t give much grounds for disagreeing with Eliezer about death. #2 is a different matter entirely. There’s also (3) “it turns out that for some people the prospect of imminent death is effective at making them think better about their priorities”, but dying seems like a rather drastic way of getting such benefits.
bw, who cares which (if either) thesis is sophisticated or critical or elaborate? That seems as pointless as asking which is more “Western” or more “conservative” or more “imaginative”. I don’t care whether my opinions and attitudes demonstrate my intelligence, I care whether they’re right, lead to a fulfilling life, etc. (Well, human nature being what it is, I expect that on some level I do care whether they demonstrate my intelligence, but that’s stupid.)
Laura, I think you’re right that there’s a distinction not being made, but I’m not sure it’s the one you say it is. Rather, “death gives meaning to life” could mean (1) “some of the things we find meaningful have meanings that are as they are partly because of death” or (2) “it’s because of death that life has meaning”. #1 is probably true, but doesn’t give much grounds for disagreeing with Eliezer about death. #2 is a different matter entirely. There’s also (3) “it turns out that for some people the prospect of imminent death is effective at making them think better about their priorities”, but dying seems like a rather drastic way of getting such benefits.
bw, who cares which (if either) thesis is sophisticated or critical or elaborate? That seems as pointless as asking which is more “Western” or more “conservative” or more “imaginative”. I don’t care whether my opinions and attitudes demonstrate my intelligence, I care whether they’re right, lead to a fulfilling life, etc. (Well, human nature being what it is, I expect that on some level I do care whether they demonstrate my intelligence, but that’s stupid.)