I do worry about effects besides those on soil animals. I think effects on microorganisms may easily be much larger.
I also see lots of value in decreasing the uncertainty about how the (expectedhedonistic) welfare per unit time of different organisms and digital systems compares with that of humans. Past research on this, particularly Rethink Priorities’ (RP’s) moral weight project (MWP), has certainly been action-guiding in the sense of changing funding decisions. The past research has not yet led to interventions which I consider robustly increase welfare, but I do not think we should give up on finding these without trying way more.
Hi Jim,
I do worry about effects besides those on soil animals. I think effects on microorganisms may easily be much larger.
I also see lots of value in decreasing the uncertainty about how the (expected hedonistic) welfare per unit time of different organisms and digital systems compares with that of humans. Past research on this, particularly Rethink Priorities’ (RP’s) moral weight project (MWP), has certainly been action-guiding in the sense of changing funding decisions. The past research has not yet led to interventions which I consider robustly increase welfare, but I do not think we should give up on finding these without trying way more.