Thinking of it as being limited to using a specific decision theory is incorrect. Instead, it should simply be seen as using a specific decision theory, or one of many. It’s not like evolution and such are here right now, guiding your actions. Evolution acts through our genes, which program us to do a specific thing.
Why do the richest people on Earth spend so much time and money helping out the poorest? Is that what a rational agent with a Parfit-winning decision theory would do?
Why do the richest people on Earth spend so much time and money helping out the poorest?
It’s rapidly diminishing utility of money. Every extra million is just worth less and less. At some point all these millions are worth so little than you can as well give them away, if you place even very low value on others’ well-being.
What else could Buffett spend all his money on now?
Thinking of it as being limited to using a specific decision theory is incorrect. Instead, it should simply be seen as using a specific decision theory, or one of many. It’s not like evolution and such are here right now, guiding your actions. Evolution acts through our genes, which program us to do a specific thing.
Why do the richest people on Earth spend so much time and money helping out the poorest? Is that what a rational agent with a Parfit-winning decision theory would do?
It’s rapidly diminishing utility of money. Every extra million is just worth less and less. At some point all these millions are worth so little than you can as well give them away, if you place even very low value on others’ well-being.
What else could Buffett spend all his money on now?
In general, they don’t. The ones that do (Gates, Buffet, etc) get a fair bit of attention for it.