I don’t think people should be anonymous cog slaves all-consumed by abstract guilt.
Ethical motivation is the key to moral progress. Feeling guilty for not acting correctly, feeling ashamed (before whom?) for not avoiding evil.
Is it deontology? Stoic ethics was largely based on this.
From a utilitarian point of view, any motivation is good as long as it produces the greatest good for the greatest number.
The problem is that the motivation system currently established by the EA community doesn’t seem to be effective enough. And it’s completely contrary to the cost-benefit principle not to explore other options.
I’ve known EAs who have been all-consumed by abstract guilt. It has never led them to producing the greatest good for the greatest number. At best it led them to being chronically depressed and unable to do any stable work. At worst it has led to highly net negative actions like joining a cult.
Ethical motivation is the key to moral progress. Feeling guilty for not acting correctly, feeling ashamed (before whom?) for not avoiding evil.
Is it deontology? Stoic ethics was largely based on this.
From a utilitarian point of view, any motivation is good as long as it produces the greatest good for the greatest number.
The problem is that the motivation system currently established by the EA community doesn’t seem to be effective enough. And it’s completely contrary to the cost-benefit principle not to explore other options.
I’ve known EAs who have been all-consumed by abstract guilt. It has never led them to producing the greatest good for the greatest number. At best it led them to being chronically depressed and unable to do any stable work. At worst it has led to highly net negative actions like joining a cult.