I think it’s clear he misrepresented his political convictions, especially to the public (as opposed to close friends and some EAs). But I think there’s separately decent evidence that he was thinking of himself as ultimately advancing utilitarian goals.Not that that makes it okay—it’s very possible to consider yourself trying to help any noble goals—then using that to justify really bad actions.
That’s my read of the evidence as well, but I haven’t examined it closely.
I think it’s clear he misrepresented his political convictions, especially to the public (as opposed to close friends and some EAs).
But I think there’s separately decent evidence that he was thinking of himself as ultimately advancing utilitarian goals.
Not that that makes it okay—it’s very possible to consider yourself trying to help any noble goals—then using that to justify really bad actions.
That’s my read of the evidence as well, but I haven’t examined it closely.