No human being is a full utilitarian. Expecting them or yourself to be will bring disappointment or guilt.
But helping others can bring great joy and satisfaction.
The answer is obviously yes to Alice’s question.
We should work harder in the most convenient world. The premise basically states that Bob would be happier AND do more good. He’s an idiot for saying no, except to get bossy, controlling Alice off his back and not let her gaslight him into doing what she wants.
But is this that world? Probably not the least convenient/easiest. Where is it on the spectrum? What will lead to Bob’s happiest life? That is the right question for Bob to ask, and it’s not trivial to answer.
No human being is a full utilitarian. Expecting them or yourself to be will bring disappointment or guilt.
But helping others can bring great joy and satisfaction.
The answer is obviously yes to Alice’s question.
We should work harder in the most convenient world. The premise basically states that Bob would be happier AND do more good. He’s an idiot for saying no, except to get bossy, controlling Alice off his back and not let her gaslight him into doing what she wants.
But is this that world? Probably not the least convenient/easiest. Where is it on the spectrum? What will lead to Bob’s happiest life? That is the right question for Bob to ask, and it’s not trivial to answer.