CEV theoretically avoids many problems with other approaches to machine ethics (Yudkowsky 2004; Tarleton 2010; Muehlhauser & Helm 2012). However, there are reasons it may not succeed. In this post, we examine one such reason: Resolving CEV at the level of humanity (Global CEV) might require at least partially resolving CEV at the level of individuals (Personal CEV)2, but Personal CEV is similar to ideal advisor theories of value,3 and such theories face well-explored difficulties. As such, these difficulties may undermine the possibility of determining the Global CEV of humanity.
I know the focus of this post is on personal rather than global CEV. But since this choice of focus is ultimately motivated by a concern with global CEV, I think it is relevant to ask a question that was never answered to my satisfaction in this forum. The question is: what’s so special about our species? In particular, what makes homo sapiens a more relevant moral category than, say, caucasians, on the one hand, and mammals, on the other?
I know the focus of this post is on personal rather than global CEV. But since this choice of focus is ultimately motivated by a concern with global CEV, I think it is relevant to ask a question that was never answered to my satisfaction in this forum. The question is: what’s so special about our species? In particular, what makes homo sapiens a more relevant moral category than, say, caucasians, on the one hand, and mammals, on the other?