Many observed values in humans and other mammals (see[4]) (e.g. fear, play/boredom, friendship/altruism, love, etc.) seem to be values that were instrumental for increasing inclusive genetic fitness (promoting survival, exploration, cooperation and sexual reproduction/survival of progeny respectively). Yet, humans and mammals seem to value these terminally and not because of their instrumental value on inclusive genetic fitness.
That the instrumentally convergent goals of evolution’s fitness criterion manifested as “terminal” values in mammals is IMO strong empirical evidence against the goals ontology and significant evidence in support of shard theory’s basic account of value formation.
Evolutionarily convergent terminal values, is something that’s underrated I think.
From the post:
Evolutionarily convergent terminal values, is something that’s underrated I think.