You are apparently claiming there is some important difference between a strongly held preference and something of ultimate value and importance. Seems like splitting hairs to me. Can you describe how those two things are different?
Just because you do have a stongly held preference, it doesn’t mean you should. The difference between true beliefs and fervently held ones is similar.
Just because you do have a stongly held preference, it doesn’t mean you should. The difference between true beliefs and fervently held ones is similar.
One can do experiments to determine whether beliefs are true, for the beliefs that matter. What can one do with a preference to figure out if it should be strongly held?
If that question has no answer, the claim that the two are similar seems indefensible.
Empirical content. That is, a belief matters if it makes or implies statements about things one might observe.
So it doesn’t matter if it only affects what you will do?
If I’m thinking for the purpose of figuring out my future actions, that’s a plan, not a belief, since planning is relevant when I haven’t yet decided what to do.
I suppose beliefs about other people’s actions are empirical.
I’ve lost the relevance of this thread. Please state a purpose if you wish to continue, and if I like it, I’ll reply.
You are apparently claiming there is some important difference between a strongly held preference and something of ultimate value and importance. Seems like splitting hairs to me. Can you describe how those two things are different?
Just because you do have a stongly held preference, it doesn’t mean you should. The difference between true beliefs and fervently held ones is similar.
One can do experiments to determine whether beliefs are true, for the beliefs that matter. What can one do with a preference to figure out if it should be strongly held?
If that question has no answer, the claim that the two are similar seems indefensible.
What makes them matter?
Reason about it?
Empirical content. That is, a belief matters if it makes or implies statements about things one might observe.
Can you give an example? I tried to make one at http://lesswrong.com/lw/5eh/what_is_metaethics/43fh, but it twisted around into revising a belief instead of revising a preference.
So it doesn’t matter if it only affects what you will do?
If I’m thinking for the purpose of figuring out my future actions, that’s a plan, not a belief, since planning is relevant when I haven’t yet decided what to do.
I suppose beliefs about other people’s actions are empirical.
I’ve lost the relevance of this thread. Please state a purpose if you wish to continue, and if I like it, I’ll reply.